“Alas for you who desire the day of the LORD! Why do you want the day of the LORD?” (Amos 5:18a)
When we in our modern society (and comfort) think about the Day of the Lord (meaning I am assuming, without consulting the biblical commentators, the Day of Judgment), we think about being taken up into heaven, and being welcomed past the Pearly Gates. Amos says this is not what he foresees the day to be. It is not a day of being rewarded for living a good life; but to be judged and punished for leading a poor excuse for a Godly life.
“It is darkness, not light; as if someone fled from a lion, and was met by a bear; or went into the house and rested a hand against the wall, and was bitten by a snake.” (Verse 18b – 19)
One may think they have escaped a bad end, but in reality the nightmare has just begun. In my youth, last day of all days was called the Day of Rapture. It was portrayed as a cautionary story where some were taken up to Jesus but those left behind were subject to terrible things. The idea was to “scare” us youth “straight into salvation.” It was a pretty effective tool and technique. This gave rise to the “Left Behind” series of stories that were to steer us to salvation & redemption, and scurry us to our bibles to read about the Anti-Christ and the Beast. Again, very effective and the series gripped the globe for a while.
“Is not the day of the LORD darkness, not light, and gloom with no brightness in it?” (Verse 20)
The commentators tell me (yes, I asked them) that Amos assumes they have no fear of their God Yahweh’s punishments and pronouncements. Or that they do not believe that such a day is coming (more New Testament slant than Old Testament). We modern folk may think, despite the waves and genres of Rapture literature, that day will not come. Amos continues on, saying that the scoffers and sinners should fear not only the day, but their God Yahweh’s ongoing judgment and wrath.
“I hate, I despise your festivals, and I take no delight in your solemn assemblies. Even though you offer me your burnt offerings and grain offerings, I will not accept them; and the offerings of well-being of your fatted animals I will not look upon. Take away from me the noise of your songs; I will not listen to the melody of your harps. “ (Verses 21 – 23)
Amos’ audience is mistaken if they think material items offered to the God Yahweh will make up for the discord in their lives. Neither will hollow words sung to a lyrical tune turn away Yahweh’s disdain for the way they treat each other. The Lord God does not judge a person’s worth by offerings placed on the altar, but by what they put their energy and concern towards.
“But let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an everflowing stream.” (Verse 24)
Verse 24 is a familiar verse – for some. The sign of a sincere follower of the Divine, in any age, is the way they relate to others around them and the environment they are in. And as I said, what they place as important in their lives. Doing route worship with no feeling or emotion, and earnestness to connect to the Divine is not going to cut it.
Beloved reader, do not wait for the Day of the Lord, but amend your lives – if needed – today! Shalom & Selah!
A Simple Desire 
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