ESOCS Devotional 22 January 2023
TEXT: AMOS 5:6-24
MEMORY VERSE: “How terrible it will be for you who long for the day of the Lord! What good will that day do you? For you, it will be a day of darkness and not of light.” Amos 5:18 GNB
Prophet Hosea’s ministry was mainly against those who worshipped idols in preference to the worship of the True God of heaven and of earth. In Hosea 6:5, the prophet warned against impending judgment on the people for their sins of idolatry. This would be the day of the Lord in judgment against such people, for their sin of spiritual adultery.
In our text today, Amos prophesied against the social sins in the land and cried out for social justice. In the days of Amos, the rich were swimming in luxury with their wealth, which they gained through the oppression of the poor, dishonest business practices, bribery and corruption, as well as miscarriages of justice. Worse still, even those who claimed to be religious leaders were involved in the criminal exploitation of the people. Such persons are also warned against the impending terrible Day of the Lord.
In “The Day of the Lord” in the Old Testament, God personally intervened in the affairs of men, sometimes in judgment and destruction, sometimes in blessings and deliverance from their oppressors. Whereas all unbelievers and enemies of righteousness would receive the dark terror and anguish of divine judgment, those who worked in uprightness received God’s manifold blessings, both spiritual and material.
However, in the New Testament, “The Day of the Lord” refers to several events of the End Time. Such events include the millennial reign of Christ, the Great Tribulation, and the final battle for the souls of men between Christ and Satan. It will be a time of judgment for the enemies of righteousness and blessings for God’s people.
Therefore, whether people experience blessings or judgment, will be determined by whether or not they truly worship the true God and obey His commandments. So, child of God, where will you spend your eternity? The Lord’s Day is at hand – considering the innumerable negative developments the world over (Matthew 24). Today is the day of salvation for you. Harden not your hearts any longer. Embrace righteousness, so the day of the Lord will be a day of laughter and joy for you
- In the Day of the Lord, some shall rejoice and some shall be in pain. Where would you belong?
- Lord Jesus, show me mercy. May the Day of the Lord bring me joy and happiness.
FURTHER READING: Micah 4:1-7; John 6:41-71; John 9:1-41
Read Yesterday’s ESOCS Devotional here
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ESOCS Devotional 22 January 2023
