Sin’s Timed Bomb
TEXT: AMOS 5:1-15
Key verse: “Seek the Lord, and ye shall live; lest he break out like fire in the house of Joseph, and devour it, and there be none to quench it in Bethel” (Amos 5:6).
The pathetic end of an erstwhile believer was once told. He backslid from the faith and found it difficult to retrace his steps until he died. It was gathered that a fight ensued between him and a driver in the process of which he lost his life. Obviously, he knew what awaited the wicked, yet failed to take evasive actions and avoid the trauma of an endless sojourn in hell.
God is ever merciful and He does not delight in the death of a sinner or backslider. He does not also bring His judgment on sinners and backsliders suddenly. He gives them opportunity to escape His wrath and fiery judgment. This position was clearly spelt out by prophet Amos. The first part was a sort of preview of the lamentable state of Israel if she does not repent. The warning was so clear and terrifying about the devastation and destruction that would befall Israel. The second part was sundry exhortations on repentance. Characteristically, prophet Amos used common metaphors to illustrate God’s pre-determined time-table for Israel.
It is time to get serious with God. All the opportunities that God mercifully and graciously gave in the past year which were spurned and thrown overboard must be single-mindedly revisited and devotedly appropriated. All the warnings from the Bible about the woeful end of sinners and backsliders, dreams about hell, failed attempts to go with others in the rapture should compel the hardened of sinners to proceed to the foot of the Cross to seek for forgiveness. To fail to do so amidst these weights of evidences will surely attract God’s just recompense.
This day, won’t you rather be wise and repent with all your heart? Who knows when the end shall come? God still loves you and would not want your life wasted here on earth and tormented in eternity. There is a ray of hope for the penitent, prodigal child.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: Seek the Lord and repent while the opportunity lasts.