How does Amos 5:4 connect with Jesus' teachings in the New Testament? Amos 5:4—The Lord’s Timeless Invitation “For this is what the LORD says to the house of Israel: ‘Seek Me and live!’” What It Meant in Amos’ Day • A nation busy with ritual yet far from heartfelt obedience • A call to turn from empty religion and pursue the living, covenant-keeping God • A promise: real, present-tense life—protection, blessing, fellowship—hinged on seeking Him personally Jesus Picks Up the Same Theme • John 14:6 — “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” • John 10:10 — “I have come that they may have life, and have it in all its fullness.” • Matthew 6:33 — “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” • John 5:39-40 — “These are the very Scriptures that testify about Me, yet you refuse to come to Me to have life.” • Matthew 11:28 — “Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Key Connections Between Amos and Jesus 1. Same Speaker, Same Heart • YHWH who spoke through Amos appears in flesh as Jesus (John 1:1-14). • The divine voice never changes: “Seek Me.” 2. Life Bound to Relationship • Amos: life is found in turning back to the LORD. • Jesus: life is found in knowing and abiding in Him (John 17:3). 3. Beyond Ritual to Relational Obedience • Amos condemned hollow worship (Amos 5:21-24). • Jesus challenged tradition without heart (Mark 7:6-8). 4. Urgency of Repentance • Amos urged immediate return before judgment. • Jesus preached, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matthew 4:17). 5. Universal Reach • Amos hinted at a remnant and future restoration. • Jesus offers living water to all nations (John 4:13-14; Revelation 22:17). Practical Takeaways • Seeking God is not a one-time decision but a daily pursuit. • True life—abundant now and eternal forever—is inseparable from Christ Himself. • Religious activity minus sincere devotion still provokes God’s grief. • The prophetic and the gospel voices harmonize: turn, come, seek, live. |
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