Friday, December 8, 2023 - SEEK THE LORD AND LIVE

 

"I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen." (Luther's Morning Prayer)

Friday, December 8, 2023 - Day 342  - (Today’s Bible readings: Nehemiah 12:1-43; Psalm 129; Revelation 6:1-17)

SEEK THE LORD AND LIVE

“-yet you did not return to me...

-yet you did not return to me...

-yet you did not return to me...

-yet you did not return to me...

-yet you did not return to me...

-prepare to meet you God, O Israel!"

 (Amos 4:6-12 ESV)

Five times the Lord attempted to bring His people to their senses so that they would return to Him. He withheld food and water. He sent blight, mildew and pestilence. He killed their young men and made their camp stink. He overthrew them as He did Sodom and Gomorrah. And they still refused to return to God! So they heard the stern warning that they would meet the judgement of God.

This shows us how serious God is about our rebellion and our sin. And yet, in chapter five He provides a way out for rebellious Israel, and for us as well:

“Seek me and live... Seek good, and not evil, that you may live, and so the Lord, the God of hosts, will be with you.”  (Amos 5:4&14 ESV)

   1. Let us ever walk with Jesus, 

Follow His example pure,

Through the world that would deceive us  

And to sin our spirits lure.

Onward in His footsteps treading, 

Pilgrims here, our home above,

Full of faith and hope and love, 

Let us do the Father's bidding.

Faithful Lord, with me abide; 

I shall follow where You guide.

(“Let Us Ever Walk with Jesus,”  LSB 685)

Almighty God, thank You for the reminder that You are absolutely serious about sin. Please grant more wisdom that the Israelites had in this lesson. May the Holy Spirit move me to continually seek You and Your mercy. “Let Your holy angel be with me that the evil foe may have not power over me.” Amen.  

Pastor David Paape