Our Scripture meditation is based on Amos 5:18-20, part of next week’s Old Testament lesson
[18] Woe to you who desire the day of the LORD! Why would you have the day of the LORD? It is darkness, and not light, [19] as if a man fled from a lion, and a bear met him, or went into the house and leaned his hand against the wall, and a serpent bit him. [20] Is not the day of the LORD darkness, and not light, and gloom with no brightness in it?
Even though it is difficult to face this Scripture passage, God can use these words of Amos to bless us.
Amos was preaching to God’s people in the country of Judah. Since Judah was experiencing temporal blessings, God’s people expected a glorious Day of the Lord. They were deeply mistaken, according to Amos.
We, too, are awaiting the Day of the Lord. This is when Jesus returns to judge the living and the dead. Amos’ sobering prediction adds weight our wait for the Lord’s return. We will face God’s judgement.
Yet this reality can serve as a blessing. It drives again to the cross of Christ. There we receive reassurance that Jesus indeed paid the price for our sins in his death and resurrection. When Christ returns, we have no further price to pay for our sins. God’s grace is overwhelming, making us as clean as fresh fallen snow.
Until next week, the Lord bless and guide.
Kevin Wilson 360 