[:en]SCRIPTURE: AMOS 5
“Seek good, not evil, that you may live. Then the Lord God Almighty will be with you, just as you say he is. Hate evil, love good; maintain justice in the courts. Perhaps the Lord God Almighty will have mercy on the remnant of Joseph” (Amos 5:14-15)
“I hate, I despise your religious feasts; I cannot stand your assemblies. Even though you bring me burnt offerings and grain offerings, I will not accept them. Though you bring choice fellowship offerings, I will have no regard for them. Away with the noise of your songs@ I will not listen to the music of your harps. But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never falling stream!” Amos 5:21-24)
A LAMENT AND CALL TO REPENTANCE
Virgin Israel was going to fall. The Assyrians were coming to take them captive. That is why Amos was weeping.
The Lord had told them to seek Him and live. He asked the Israelites to repent from their sins of inJustice and oppression to the poor.
THE DAY OF THE LORD
The day of the Lord is fast approaching. It is a day of judgment not blessings. There will be darkness without any light. The Lord will not accept their burnt offerings, grain offerings and fellowship offerings. Nor will He listen to their music of harp. Their religious activities and generous gifts of sacrifices were nothing to the Lord. What is important is obedience to His Word.[:]