Key Passage: Amos 5: 4 - 7, 11 - 14

This is what the LORD says to the house of Israel: "Seek me and live; do not seek Bethel, do not go to Gilgal, do not journey to Beersheba. For Gilgal will surely go into exile, and Bethel will be reduced to nothing." Seek the LORD and live, or he will sweep through the house of Joseph like a fire; it will devour, and Bethel will have no-one to quench it. You who turn justice into bitterness and cast righteousness to the ground. You trample on the poor and force him to give you grain. Therefore, though you have built stone mansions, you will not live in them; though you have planted lush vineyards, you will not drink their wine. For I know how many are your offences and how great your sins. You oppress the righteous and take bribes and you deprive the poor of justice in the courts. Therefore the prudent man keeps quiet in such times, for the times are evil. Seek good, not evil, that you may live. Then the LORD God Almighty will be with you. (NIV)

The pursuit of God should be the greatest occupation of every soul on the earth. Man’s life was derived from God (Gen 2:7). At the beginning, man had all he needed to live a fruitful and meaningful life. But when sin came, man became separated from God, and Satan gained power to rule him and his world. Satan has done all in his power to keep man away from God because he knows that the destiny and fortunes on man shall be restored when he returns to his Maker.

The people of Israel turned away from God and followed after idols. They sinned against God, perverted justice, oppressed the poor and worshiped idols. God therefore turned away from them, and they became easy preys for their enemies who subdued them and devastated their cities. The people in their confusion and rebellion sought help from the idols and the grooves, but found none. But God in His mercy called them back through Prophet Amos saying, "Seek me and live". Amos pointed the people back to their Maker; the One who rescued them from the land of bondage and brought them to the land of plenty, but Who they despised and rejected to their own hurt. He followed his appeal with a caution: "Seek the LORD and live, or he will sweep through the house of Joseph like a fire; it will devour"

The Lord is speaking in the same manner to our generation, "Seek Me and Live". He wants us freed from every fear, worry, anxiety and grief. He wants us freed from sickness, debt, bondage and oppression. These problems arise in our lives when we turn away from Him. But He wants us restored. He is saying, "Seek Me and Live". He will take away your pain, and turn your sorrows into joy, when you return to Him. He will give you peace like a river (Is 66:12) and life that is "rich and satisfying" (Jn 10:10 NLT).


Prayer: Lord, create in me that deep desire to seek and serve You.