8/5/2023

Our scripture this morning is Amos 5:20-24.

Don’t you realize the Lord’s day of judgment will bring darkness, not light – gloomy blackness, not bright light? I absolutely despise your festivals! I get no pleasure from your religious assemblies! Even if you offer me burnt and grain offerings, I will not be satisfied; I will not look with favor on your peace offerings of fattened calves. Take away from me your noisy songs; I don’t want to hear the music of your stringed instruments. Justice must flow like torrents of water, righteous actions like a stream that never dries up.

The prophet Amos sends a warning to God’s disobedient people. He speaks of the Lord’s displeasure with the ritual and offerings they bring because they are not honest in their worship. God says this is just going through the motions.

God gave us instructions on how to live together with Him and each other. We often give lip service to His commandments, but like the people Amos was sent to warn, we don’t always live them out. God wants us to gather for fellowship and worship, but it must be sincere.

Most of all, God wants us to demonstrate our love for Him through our daily living. He tells us “justice must flow like torrents of water, righteous actions like a stream that never dries up”. If we truly repent and live in the light of His love, we can look forward to the day of the Lord with hope and joy.

Heavenly Father, we are sorry for our selfish thoughts and actions. Bless us to be washed clean by Christ’s sacrifice for us and go to share the Good News everywhere. Amen.

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