Devotional For the Week—9 Oct 2006

Seek God and Live

Scriptural Text: Amos 5:1-8, 14,15

For many Christians, to seek God is a difficult thing to do. This is because we are visual and social beings. For many, it is only when we are able to see that we believe. Similarly, when we are troubled, it is often our friends, family or other people whom we seek. Historically, the Israelites were no different from us. In Amos’ time, even though the Israelites had a God who loved them and they were the favoured ones, God held an insignificant part of their lives. The Israelites showed that they preferred to flock to places of worship, participate in religious feasts and go on pilgrimages especially to Bethel, Gilgal and Beersheba.

There is nothing wrong in going to such religious places. Where the Israelites are concerned, the problem was that they visited the shrine and not their God, and they partook of the religious feasts and the rituals but they did not worship God in true spirit. God has stated clearly in Amos 5:5, “to seek Him, do not seek Bethel, do not go to Gilgal, do not journey to Beersheba.”

What is so significant about these places that the Israelites would rather seek them and not God?

(1) Bethel (vs. 6-13)

Historically, Bethel was the place where Jacob ran to when he tried to escape from Esau. (Gen. 35:1,10) It was also at this place where God transformed Jacob, changing his name from “Jacob” which meant “deceiver” to “Israel” which means “the one with whom God strives”. At Bethel, Jacob encountered God. As a result, Jacob allowed God to deal with him which led to Jacob being a changed person. However, to the Israelites, Bethel did not hold such significance. They merely went to Bethel to make music and to ‘worship’ but there was no evidence that the ‘activities’ that they partook in had transformed their lives. After their worship at Bethel, they continued to ‘trample on the poor, build stone mansions and plant lush vineyards’.

Reflection and Application: Are we also like the Israelites by going to our Bethel (which significantly means “House of God”) to “worship God” but spend the next 6 days ignoring God’s words and pursue self centered “good” things of life? It is important that we seek God and allow Him to transform our lives. Have you stopped spending quiet time with God or have you treated it as a routine must-do activity but without much application in your life? What changes will you make to your life today so that you will worship God in spirit and in truth?

(2) Beersheba (vs.14-20)

Beersheba was a place where God assured the Israelites’ forefathers that He was with them. Is not it wonderful to know that God would be with us? God told the Israelites then “Do not be afraid, for I am with you, I will bless you and I will increase the number of your descendants”. Sadly, because of Israel’s sins, they could not claim that God was with them anymore.

Reflection and Application: Are you living in shame and sin? Have you experienced God turning Himself against you? Do pause and reflect on your treatment of God’s commands and determine what changes you will make in your life today to be right with God once more.

(3) Gilgal (vs. 21-27)

Gilgal (which means “rolled away”) is situated in the west of Jordan and was the first camp of the Israelites in the Promised Land. It was in Gilgal that the Israelites were able to eat of the produce of the land for the first time and did not have to rely on manna from heaven. It was also in Gilgal that the male Israelites were circumcised. In Gilgal, God ‘rolled away’ the reproach of Egypt from them. God’s intention was for Israel to be a place where justice flowed out and the Israelites, a just nation. Instead, all manner of wickedness rolled out from them.

Reflection and Application: We could have encountered and experienced God at one time of our lives. However, we should never allow this momentous one-time experience to be the end-all of our walk with Him. We must ensure that as His children, we continually roll out justice. This means that we must always practice mercy, love and kindness to others and walk humbly with God. (Micah 6:8) Are you seeking God daily? Are you constantly in touch with God that you illuminate His image? God has saved us to transform us and to see righteousness flow out from us. What have you done that is reflective of this today?

Prayer Response:
Father, help us to be earnest in seeking you and you alone. We sincerely ask to be touched by you and to allow you to constantly transform our lives so that our walk with you may be deepened and made more meaningful. Help us realize that we do not need anyone or anything to replace you. Amen.

Devotional based on message by Reverend Vincent Goh.