But Still You Would Not Return to Me

Scripture:

Amos 4:11 "I destroyed some of your cities, as I destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah. Those of you who survived were like charred sticks pulled from a fire. But still you would not return to me says the Lord".

Observation:

In this fourth chapter of Amos, you hear over and over again these words, "But still you would not return to me". God would allow some calamity, then it would say, "But still you would not return to me". In this you can hear the heart of God crying out for His people to return to Him. His intention from the beginning was to have a people and to be their God, but people have a will and often make wrong choices. Instead of turning around, they continue to go farther and farther in disobedience.

Application:

As I read about all the different problems God had brought on His children, yet they would not return to Him, I realize the heart of God once again. He is, and always has been, looking for a people who will follow Him completely. A people He can bless and demonstrate His love and power to, yet we continue to do our own thing. He wants to be the center of our lives and He wants us to quickly return to Him when we do mess up. We must learn to be quick repenters when we mess up and we will stay in the blessing of God.

Prayer:

Lord, I hear Your heart through Amos. I see that You have always wanted a people who would be completely Yours. I see how you tried to get them to come back to You, yet they still would not return. Help me to be one who returns quickly and walks in step with You. I want to be a person who You can trust.

Sincerely,
Jeff