Therefore thus will I do to you, O Israel; because I will do this to you, prepare to meet your God, O Israel!
— Amos 4:12
GOD WARNED Israel repeatedly. He brought calamities upon them. He tried to turn them back from their chosen path of destruction. But for all that, they would not return to Him. Now the time of judgment was at hand. The prophet Amos issues a warning to the people: “Prepare to meet your God!”
This time, however, the meeting would not be for purposes of love and fellowship and unity. This meeting would be adversarial.
IT IS SHEER FOLLY TO MEET GOD AS AN ADVERSARY.
The Scripture declares: “Woe to him who strives with his Maker!” (Isaiah 45:9). How could you ever hope to win in a battle with God? Yet some of you are striving with God. God has been speaking to you about those things in your life that are dishonest, corrupt, or displeasing to Him. The Holy Spirit has convicted you, but you have ignored His voice and set yourself against Him.
Someday you are going to meet God and you need to be prepared. Nothing is hidden from His eye. He knows every thought, every motive of the heart. We are guilty. But we are also blessed—for we have an Advocate who represents us before the Father. “Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us” (Romans 8:34).
Praise God for His Son!
Lord, may we experience the joy of meeting You each day— the joy of Your presence, the power of Your Spirit, and the glory of walking with You.
In Jesus’ Name, Amen.