Amos 1-5

“You only have I known of all the families of the earth; therefore I will punish you for all your iniquities” (3:2).  Israel had a special call to be God’s light and truth in the world, yet they turned out to be no different than their pagan neighbors.  Despite the fact that God had blessed them, they “trampled on the poor” (5:11) and crushed the needy (4:1).  Therefore, God refused to accept their worship and sacrifices (5:22); what He desired was the “sacrifice” of justice and righteousness.

“Seek good, and not evil, that you may live; and so the LORD, the God of hosts, will be with you” (5:14).  God welcomes the “sacrifice” of a life dedicated to Him.