Amos 5:16-17 NLT
According to Scripture, God’s love for mankind is unconditional, but our love for Him is on the condition of our relationship with Him. Romans 5:8-10 tell us of God’s unconditional love: “while we were yet sinners and enemies of God, Christ gave His life,” declaring us to be justified, or made righteous, and reconciled with Him through Christ. Therefore, believers have the assurance of salvation and continuing life.
Recall that previously (vv. 14-15) Amos urged Israel to seek good, reject evil, and live righteously. Here in verses 16-17 the prophet called for the people of Israel, who had alienated themselves from God due to sin, to reconcile, that is restore, their broken relationship with Him. Yet, in spite of being warned of their widespread, unjust treatment of the poor, Israel continued their wickedness, refusing to turn from it to God’s call to righteousness. 16 Therefore, this is what the Lord, the Lord God of Heaven’s Armies, says:
“16 There will be crying in all the public squares
and mourning in every street.
Call for the farmers to weep with you,
and summon professional mourners to wail.
17 There will be wailing in every vineyard,
for I will destroy them all,”
says the Lord.
We often talk about God’s love for mankind, but what about His wrath against evil, unrighteous living? Here Amos prophesied that weeping and mourning will come to Israel because of impending destruction due to their persistent disobedience and injustice. Today, will you repent and turn from your evil ways to God’s righteousness?
Lift your voice and shout, “Glory!”