How does Amos 5:14 connect with Jesus' teachings in the New Testament? Amos 5:14 — The Starting Point “Seek good, not evil, so that you may live. Then the LORD God of Hosts will truly be with you, as you claim.” God’s Timeless Call to Pursue Good • God equates seeking good with genuine life; evil leads to death (Proverbs 14:12). • The promise of His presence is conditional on a moral choice, not mere heritage or ritual (Isaiah 1:16-17). Jesus Echoes the Same Invitation • “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you” (Matthew 6:33). • “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near” (Matthew 4:17). • The greatest commandments—love God and neighbor—summarize what “good” looks like (Mark 12:29-31). Life as the Fruit of Seeking Good • Jesus: “I came that they may have life, and have it in abundance” (John 10:10). • Eternal life promised to believers mirrors the “live” of Amos 5:14 (John 3:16). God With Us: From Promise to Person • Amos tied God’s presence to righteous living; Jesus embodies that presence: “Immanuel—God with us” (Matthew 1:23). • After resurrection: “I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20). • By the Spirit, Jesus fulfills the covenant promise of abiding fellowship (John 14:16-17, 23). Practical Outworking in Jesus’ Teaching • Loving enemies (Luke 6:27-36) turns from evil to good in real relationships. • Generosity and humility (Matthew 5–7) reflect the prophetic call for justice in Amos 5:24. • Obedience proves genuine faith (John 14:15), just as Israel’s claim of God’s presence had to be backed by behavior. One Unified Message Across Testaments Amos commands, “Seek good … live … God will be with you.” Jesus commands, “Seek first … receive life … I am with you.” The same righteous God calls, the same promise stands, and the same path—turning from evil to embrace the good—leads to true, abundant life in fellowship with Him. |
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