Judgment, Justice, Holiness---Day 347 Through the Bible

The book of Amos begins with strong rebuke against women of Israel.  God actually refers to them as "cows"--"cows of Bashan" (v. 1). These women are described as women "who oppress the poor, who crush the needy, who say to your husbands, 'Bring wine, let us drink!'" (v. 1).  God says through the prophet that they will be taken away and "you will go out through broken walls, each one straight ahead of her" (v. 3).

The "form of godliness" (2 Tim. 3:5) that God is condemning is described in verses 4 & 5: "'Come to Bethel and transgress, at Gilgal multiply transgression; bring your sacrifices every morning, your tithes every three days.  Offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving with leaven (sin).  Proclaim and announce the freewill offerings (Jesus rebuked the Pharisees for this very practice); for this you love, you children of Israel!' Says the Lord God".

During this year's study God's view of us has become clearer to me. I think more about how my "Christian duties" and religious ceremonies look to Him.  God is interested in what is in the heart is a point He frequently makes.  Amos lists the "tools" God has used to correct Israel yet they have not returned to Him.
Lack of bread, withheld rain, blight and mildew, locusts, and a plague are all mentioned.  God warns Israel in verse 12, "Prepare to meet your God, O Israel!"

Some of the phrases I highlighted in chapter 5, are these: "Seek Me and live", "seek the Lord and live", "the Lord is His name", "therefore the prudent keep silent at that time, for it is an evil time". And in verses 14 & 15, we read these instructions from God, "Seek good and not evil, that you may live; So the Lord God of hosts will be with you.  As you have spoken. Hate evil, love good; establish justice in the gate.  It may be that the Lord God of hosts will be gracious to the remnant of Joseph".  Amos says there will be no getting away from God in the day of the Lord (v. 19). "Woe to you who desire the day of the Lord!" (v. 18).

The Lord reminds the readers of Proverbs that "Many seek the ruler's favor, but justice for man comes from the Lord" (v. 26). In Revelation 4:1-11, "a door standing open in heaven" and a glimpse into the throne room of God is revealed in these verses. A suiting passage to read when coming before "the throne of grace".