Light vs Darkness (June 26)

Woe to you who long
     for the day of the Lord
Why do you long for the day of the Lord?
     That day will be darkness, not light.
                                Amos 5:18 NIV

Christians, do not lose courage, faith, hope or strength as a result of reading the above verse.  The verse was written by the Prophet Amos about  830 BC or 750 BC.  This prophecy of God through Amos was directed at Israel warning them about the coming day of judgement, the day of the Lord.  

Israel had normalized idolatry and wickedness and was walking apart from the path the Lord had chosen.  Israel was wallowing in sin, doing what ought not be done.

Israel was offering sacrifices to God, however these sacrifices were unacceptable (v22).  Isarel was unrepentent.

We read earlier this year in 1 Samuel 15:22 NIV: But Samuel replied: "Does the Lord delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the voice of the Lord?  To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams."

God was declaring through Amos a request for a reformation of the heart, a new way of life for Israel, not for sacrifice and maintenance of the status quo.

We can be thankful that in contrast to the Northern Kingdom of Israel who lived under the old covenant and were required to keep the entire law to be saved (an impossible task); we live under the new covenant.  This covenant was given in Christ's body and blood, shed and pierced on the cross for all who believe.

We can be further thankful that it is God's work that earns our salvation for us and His Spirit that guides us to Christ. 

In addition, as a result of God's work through His Son, we can maintain courage, faith and hope while reading a passage like Amos 5:18.

We will fail, we will fall short, we will sin.  We can in confidence look to Jesus, his death and resurrection, and be assured that we are saved; for our eternal salvation has been paid for, and given to us by grace through faith.  We will see light on that great, powerful and terrible day of the Lord.

We need to gently, carefully, lovingly "tell the story" so that all will have at least had the opportunity to see light, not darkness, on that great and powerful day of the Lord.  

What do you think about the day of the Lord?

What kind of concerns do you have about the day of the Lord?  Talk with someone...a mature Christian friend or pastor...

Pray for opportunities, wisdom, courage and love to tell the story.


In Christ,


David P