Amos took up a lament for Israel. His lament sounds as if the judgment had already happened. God’s judgment against Israel would be sure and it would be complete. The carnage would be so great, only ten percent of Israel’s military might would survive. Ninety percent would be destroyed. But instead of repenting to try and avert the judgment, Israel would seek out places of sanctuary and refuge (5). It would do them no good. The Lord would punish idolatry wherever it was practiced. The only way to survive is to seek the Lord.

Justice and righteousness had become perverted. The wealthy burdened and oppressed the poor while they themselves lived in mansions. Those who spoke out for justice and truth were silenced. The Lord knew all their sins. And he who turns midnight into dawn; he who calls up the waters of the sea and pours them over the face of the land—the Lord is his name-- he would judge them severely. The Lord sees all our sins. Unless we repent and seek him, we too will be judged.
Application: Father, we seek many things in this life to help us to live. Help us to know the only thing we need seek is you. Help us to seek you and live.
One Word: Seek the Lord and live