“I have overthrown some of you, as God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah, and ye were as a firebrand plucked out of the burning: yet have ye not returned unto me, saith the Lord. Therefore thus will I do unto thee, O Israel: and because I will do this unto thee, prepare to meet thy God, O Israel” (Amos 4:11-12).
The fourth chapter of the book of Amos paints a sad picture concerning the nation of Israel. They had turned from God and became a wicked and sinful nation. Despite the repeated efforts by God, they refused to repent. They faced famine, drought, and destruction of crops, pestilence, and disasters upon their cities. Yet in each case, they ignored the God of heaven who had brought these judgments. Their cup of iniquity was full, and with their failure to repent, they now would face the judgment and punishment of God. Therefore, they were admonished, “Prepare to meet thy God, O Israel.”
The prophets record for us how this once powerful nation had been taken into captivity and oppressed. Led off in shame, they suffered for their hardened hearts and refusal to repent.
Today there are so many who refuse the plead and warnings of God to repent (Luke 13:3,5; Acts 2:38; 3:19; 17:30-31). Despite the countless warnings of judgment and punishment, they have chosen to ignore Almighty God, and will face the consequences of their sins (Matt. 25:46; 2 Thess. 1:7-9).
Have you chosen to ignore the warnings of God? Have you placed your soul in jeopardy by refusing to repent? While you yet have time, I plead with you, I implore you, I beg you, please return to God and do what He says you must do to be forgiven of your sins. Believe that Jesus is the Christ (John 8:24), repent of your sins (Luke 13:3,5), confess the Christ as the Son of the Living God (Rom. 10:9-10), and be baptized (immersed in water) for the forgiveness of your sins (Acts 2:38).
It is not a question of if we will ever have to face God; the question is when? My admonition to you is, “Prepare to meet thy God!”