Seek the Lord and Live

Background Scripture: Amos 5
Lesson Scripture: Amos 5:4-15

Introduction

The Spirit of God lovingly convicts people to make them aware of their guilt and captivity. Unsettled and insecure feelings in their soul cause them to be restless. As a person carries this heavy, oppressive burden in his heart, he may feel empty, feeling that something is missing. God wants those who long for inner peace to be motivated to earnestly seek a remedy. Where shall they turn for help?

Key Verse

That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us (Acts 17:27).

Lesson Scripture

Studying the Lesson

The Scriptures give a disappointing record of Israel’s behavior in the promised land. God continued to invite them to Himself, yet repeatedly they succumbed to the wicked practices of the heathen. How could a people who were so blessed by God abandon Him time after time? How could they return to bondage and corruption, forgetting freedom and fellowship with God? The Scriptures often repeat the phrase, “The children of Israel did evil again in the sight of the Lord.” Yet God in his compassion called them to return to Him. “Since the day that your fathers came forth out of the land of Egypt unto this day I have even sent unto you all my servants the prophets, daily rising up early and sending them” (Jer. 7:25).

Amos was a faithful servant whom God sent to speak to his people when their spiritual health was at low ebb. The Lord chooses those who are lowly and things that are despised by the world to confound the wise and mighty. God chose Amos from a humble background to be a messenger for Him. Amos introduced himself, “I was no prophet, neither was I a prophet’s son; but I was an herdman, and a gatherer of sycomore fruit: And the Lord took me as I followed the flock, and the Lord said unto me, Go, prophesy unto my people Israel” (Amos 7:14-15).

The message of God sounded from the lips of this humble farmer. He was a channel through whom God voiced his judgment against the heathen nations. The list went on to include Judah and Israel as though they were no better than their wicked neighbors. “The lion hath roared, who will not fear? (Amos 3:8). In chapter 4 of this book, the evidence of Israel’s rebellion is declared five times with the statement: “Yet have ye not returned unto me, saith the Lord.” The sermon was an invitation, a warning and a rehearsal of God’s judgment.

The Bible contains the cherished record of the heroes of faith; Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob are among them. We treasure the stories of Moses—the deliverance from Egypt, the crossing of the Red Sea, the miracles in the wilderness, the conquest of Canaan, and more. We read of judges, prophets, and kings who sought to lead the people aright. Yet now again God’s people were straying, and He called to them, “Prepare to meet thy God, O Israel” (Amos 4:12). It could appear that this is the end of the beautiful story of God with his people. “Then said the Lord unto me, The end is come upon my people of Israel; I will not again pass by them any more” (Amos 8:2).

But God, who greatly delights in mercy and whose mercy endures forever and whose compassions fail not, sent the word of invitation, “Come.” God’s simple message is, “Look to me; come to me; arise, there is a warm welcome awaiting you.”

Practical Truths for Today

Jesus came to preach deliverance to captive people and bring healing to sin-sick souls. The initial work of God’s message is to awaken people to see themselves as bound, helpless servants of sin. If a person cannot see his need, how shall he be motivated to forsake his worthless resources to find salvation? Blinded souls cannot discern their own need, nor can they see where to find lasting contentment.

Coming to Him leads us to repent, believe, and obey. As we seek God, we will find life. He forgives our sin, and as we immerse ourselves in his will, He satisfies our soul with spiritual life in Christ Jesus. Many have testified of great joy when they have been regenerated by God’s Spirit.

The goal of the enemy of our souls is to hinder our search for God. He seeks to distract, deter, and hinder every soul who seeks for God. The devil, the flesh, and the world are in league to keep us from seeing our condition and turning to God.

To escape the uneasiness of their troubled souls, people spend much energy to fill their ears with the noise of the world. Many turn to radio and television to fill their mind because quietness is uncomfortable. Countless forms of entertainment are offered. Although computers and cell phones are useful for necessary communication and business, they may also be used for worldly entertainment. Enjoying the world’s pleasures brings bondage instead of desired freedom.

There are distractions and addictions to fit every temperament and situation. Consider the cost and effort spent on sports and recreation, yet all this fails to bring contentment to the soul. Rather, it only feeds the lust for more. Some fulfill their lust for material things by accumulating wealth, seeking to satisfy the soul’s longing for fulfillment and happiness (Amos 8:5). Much of humanity is spending money for things that will never satisfy (Isa. 55:2). Sin is addictive, captivating, and enslaving. This is demonstrated by substance addictions such as tobacco, alcohol, or drugs. Those who indulge in these vices are indeed seeking enjoyment but are only discovering servile dependence.

Our foremost endeavor in life is to seek God; we can enjoy his blessings of joy and peace and come to know the Savior himself. He is our reward as well as the Rewarder of them that diligently seek Him. A faithful Christian does not seek for God as though he has lost his salvation. His search is inspired by a desire to know God better as the apostle Paul said, “That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection” (Phil. 3:10). In coming to know Him we must surrender any annoyances we may have with life’s limitations, Christian traditions, or church guidelines. Jesus invites us to come and learn of Him, thereby finding rest for our souls. The reward is blessed quietness. Quietness is not the absence of all noise but the presence of God’s peace.

What a beautiful setting it is when children are nurtured in a home where the peace of God is present. When mother and father have found that which fills their heart’s need, the tranquil voice of love and security softly echoes within the walls of their home.

The Holy Spirit whispers a call to faithful Christian living, to seek good and shun evil, to love the things that God loves, and to reject that which displeases Him. As we seek to do the will of God, He will pour on us the joys of salvation and give us the hope of eternal life.

Questions

1. How do we know that we are honestly seeking the Lord with no reserves?
2. What are the signs that we are satisfied with a lower level of spirituality than what God is pleased with?
3. In neglecting to follow the Lord, what is the indication that we have crossed the line from being under saving grace to losing our salvation?
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Source: COGICM Daily Bible Readings (Daily Bible Readings, PO Box 124, Glenn, CA 95943).