Amos 5:18-20 NLT
Amos warned Israel about the seriousness of disobedience and unrepentance with God, telling them that the day of the Lord for which they yearned would come. Though Israel is God’s chosen people, their status won’t gain them divine favor if they remained disobedient and unrepentant, nor would it bring them joy as they erroneously believed. God has no respect of persons and is just in treatment to all people. Amos prophesied centuries ago that God’s people are called to live righteously – repent and live a life of obedience, conducting ourselves daily to reflect that we belong to Christ. When the Lord comes each believer will be held accountable for how they walked before God.
The prophet painted a graphic picture comparing Israel to a man trying to flee three dangerous animals on the Lord’s day. He prophesied, “In that day you will be like a man who runs from a lion – only to meet a bear. Escaping from the bear, he leans his hand against a wall in his house – and he’s bitten by a snake” (v.19). Amos showed Israel the urgency of a true and faithful relationship with God rather than having false hope in the things of this world.
Amos’ graphic illustration of the day of the Lord symbolized increased and endless danger for an unrepentant man running, trying to escape. The prophet signified that security in God is the only escape from the consequence of His judgment. The gospel singer, Lee Williams says, “You can’t run, You can’t hide. There’s no need, No need to try. You don’t know when or how he’s coming; you just can’t get by.”
Lift your voice and shout, “Glory!”