Amos chapter 5 verses 4-5 (NIV)
This is what the LORD says to 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.”
God had intended that His chosen people were to be different from all other nations. They were to set an example to the others about the need to follow hard after God, and by the way they lived, to be an encouragement to others. God intended Israel to be a blessing by that example.
Yet somehow Israel did the exact opposite. They somehow seemed to think that the grass was always greener on the other side.
This portion served to remind us to make sure that the LORD is our first priority. We too are meant to set a living example as to what it means to follow God.
It can be sometimes tempting to try and fit in, especially for our young people and new Christians. Yet when we look at the decisions that the nation of Israel made, and how they always tried to emulate other nations, we see how easily they went adrift. So let’s heed Amos’ warning and keep our focus on God.
Dear Lord,
Thank You that through Christ and the guidance of the Holy Spirit we have everything we need to live a rich, fulfilling life. Help me not to be tempted to look elsewhere, no matter how things look. I ask in Jesus’ Name. Amen.