Daily Devotions
Amos
"Seek good and not evil"
Text: Amos 5:14
THINGS THAT ARE NOT WORTHWHILE SEEKING
The things that the powerful wicked were seeking were obvious. They sought wealth and power. They abused their authority badly when they victimised the poor! Material gain is never worthwhile as goals in life.
THINGS THAT ARE TRULY WORTHWHILE SEEKING
The prophet Amos urged erring and sinful Israel to turn their hearts away from looking at worthless things! They would be better off seeking that which was truly beneficial!
“Seek good and not evil,
That you may live;
So the LORD God of hosts will be with you,
As you have spoken.”
Amos 5:14
1. “Seek good and not evil”
a) Recall the earlier word of advice given.
i) Seek Me and live Amos 5:4
ii) Seek the LORD and live Amos 5:6
b) The call to “seek good”
i) This is in keeping with the above statements.
ii) Seeking good is an expression that confirms the true seeking of the LORD.
iii) Truly seeking the LORD should see a person seek to do good.
c) Not evil
i) Like perverting justice for the poor.
ii) Like taking bribes.
2.”So the LORD God of hosts will be with you”
a) The LORD will be with His people as He has promised.
b) But on the following conditions:
i) They must not worship idols.
ii) They must not seek to do evil.
iii) They must seek to do good.
c) The LORD would then be with His people.
i) To provide
ii) To protect and not punish
d) As you have spoken
The people must have asked Amos if the Lord could be with them. This was his reply.