Sometimes, when it comes to reading the Bible, we have to remember the concept of the oasis.
I’m talking about the tiny spot in a desert where a weary traveler can find refreshing shade and water to keep him or her going toward their final destination.
The oasis is not to be a home, but it sure is a help.
Amos 5:14 is such an oasis.
Today’s One-Year Bible reading includes Amos 1-3:14, a sobering sequence of promised punishments handed down from the Ultimate Judge against nation after nation that rejected God’s Word and sovereignty.
The litany of destruction promises is shocking. I reviewed the passage several times today to see if I had missed seeing some sections containing words of encouraging grace.
I saw none that stood out as obvious.
This doesn’t often happen in the Bible. With few exceptions, most books of the Bible will liberally sprinkle words of hope and grace even in the midst of passages pointing to approaching judgment.
Thankfully, I knew that God would not leave me for long in my daily Bible reading without a witness to His mercy.
That’s why I peeked ahead to tomorrow’s reading and saw the oasis that God embedded into Amos’ “The hammer is gonna fall!” book.
And what an oasis it is.
“Seek good, not evil, that you may live. Then the Lord God Almighty will be with you, just as you say He is” (Amos 5:14).
This might not seem like a theologically earth-shaking revelation to you, but instead as a simple principle for living.
But to God-rejecting people in God-forsaken lands, receiving this simple truth was as receiving a simple map to the oasis of water in a seemingly endless sea of sand.
I’m glad that I trusted the nature of God and that He wouldn’t only promise punishment.
You see, God doesn’t want people to perish.
His heart’s desire is to everybody saved.
He has given mankind free will, though, and knows that most will reject His identity and authority.
Even so, He still makes sure that those willing to drink from His fountain of truth are able to do so, even if they come to the oasis parched because of personal sins.
Whether your times in the desert are as minor as a few Bible chapters without warm, loving words or as major as a lengthy season of sinful rebellion against the Word of God, just remember that your Father in heaven will always lead you to an oasis where you can drink in the Truth — if you choose to.
Because some Hebrews in the prophet Amos’ day did drink in the above truth, there were people who changed their paths and were used by God to pass on the ancient faith to those who followed.
You and I are blessed now as a result.
When you are parched, dear friend, whether in your Bible reading or in your rebellious living, look for the oasis.
God has placed it into your path so that you might find refreshment in Him.
If you’re in a desert now, please remember this.
Seek good, not evil, that you may live.
Then the Lord God Almighty will be with you.
Wow.
As always, I love you
Martin
