Amos 5:6-7 (NRSV)
Read Amos 5:6-7 on biblegateway.com
Verse 6Seek the Lord and live, or he will break out against the house of Joseph like fire, and it will devour Bethel, with no one to quench it. Verse 7Ah, you that turn justice to wormwood, and bring righteousness to the ground!
Devotion
The prophet Amos was a man whose life was devoted to serving God, and whose life-style reflected that devotion. The name "Amos" means "burden" or "burden-bearer," and that is what God called Amos to do: to carry the heavy burden of God’s message of judgment to the northern kingdom of Israel.
These Israelites in the north were living in a pious facade of religion, worshiping idols and oppressing the poor. However, they were quite complacent in living this way which, of course, is not God’s way, and so Amos "lets them have it."
How complacent are you in your calling? Have other concerns taken God’s place in your life? How soon we forget how a complacent present usually leads to a disastrous future.
Prayer
Lord God, we acknowledge that, at times, we are complacent in our callings, even though we know that following you includes total commitment to you. Help us as we strive to live out and live in our faith in you. Amen.