In what ways can we prepare spiritually for the Day of the LORD? Longing for the Day—and Amos’ Sobering Warning “Woe to you who long for the Day of the LORD! What will the Day of the LORD be like for you? It will be darkness and not light.” (Amos 5:18) Israel assumed the Day would vindicate them; Amos insists it will expose them. The same caution stands for us. Longing is healthy only when matched by readiness. Recognizing the True Nature of the Day • A time of judgment before blessing (Isaiah 13:9; Joel 2:31) • Sudden and inescapable for the unprepared (1 Thessalonians 5:2–3) • A decisive unveiling of hearts (1 Corinthians 4:5) Spiritual Preparation Starts with Repentance • Return to the LORD while there is time (Joel 2:12–13) • Confess known sin; forsake hidden darkness (Psalm 139:23–24; 1 John 1:9) • Cultivate godly sorrow that leads to life (2 Corinthians 7:10) Cultivating a Life of Justice and Righteousness Amos stresses that ritual without righteousness is offensive (Amos 5:21–24). Preparation demands: • Fair dealings and honest scales (Leviticus 19:35–36; Proverbs 11:1) • Advocacy for the poor and oppressed (Isaiah 1:17; James 1:27) • Daily choices that reflect Micah 6:8—“to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly.” Maintaining Vigilant Worship and Holiness • Worship in spirit and truth, not empty forms (John 4:24) • Keep short accounts with God through regular self-examination (1 Corinthians 11:28) • Pursue holiness because “without holiness no one will see the Lord” (Hebrews 12:14) Living in Active Expectation • Stay awake and sober-minded (1 Thessalonians 5:4–6) • Invest talents faithfully until He returns (Matthew 25:14–30) • Encourage one another, “all the more as you see the Day approaching” (Hebrews 10:24–25) Anchoring Hope in Christ’s Finished Work • Our confidence rests in the cross and resurrection (Romans 5:9) • Christ’s blood secures us from wrath (1 Thessalonians 1:10) • Yet saving faith is evidenced by obedient living (James 2:17; 1 John 2:28–3:3) A Forward-Looking Conclusion “Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives….” (2 Peter 3:11) Spiritual preparation for the Day of the LORD is not complicated, but it is comprehensive: repent, pursue righteousness, worship sincerely, stay vigilant, and rest in Christ. |
    |