A Timeless Call to Seek What Matters Most
Amos 5:4 is a short but powerful verse from the Old Testament, where God, through the prophet Amos, delivers a simple yet life-changing message: “Seek Me and live.” On the surface, it’s just five words, but behind them is a world of meaning, hope, and challenge—both for the people of Amos’s time and for us today.
Let’s break down what this verse means, why it mattered then, why it still matters now, and how ordinary people can relate to its message—no theological expertise required.
The Backstory: Who Was Amos and What Was Going On?
To make sense of Amos 5:4, it helps to know a bit about the times and the messenger. Amos wasn’t a career prophet or a religious leader. He was a shepherd from the southern kingdom of Judah, a regular person working a humble job. But God sent him north to Israel—a land enjoying economic boom times, with lots of money, fancy parties, and impressive religious ceremonies.
But behind all the glitz and glamour, Amos saw something wrong: underneath the prosperity, there was spiritual decay. People were going through the motions of religion while ignoring what mattered most—justice, kindness, honesty, and true connection with God. The rich got richer, the poor were trampled, and the leaders turned a blind eye to suffering.
Amos brought a message that shocked his audience: their prosperity and religious rituals didn’t impress God. What God really wanted was their hearts, their fairness, and their willingness to turn away from wrong and do what’s right.
What Does “Seek Me and Live” Mean?
In Amos 5:4, God says to Israel, “Seek Me and live.” Let’s put this in plain English:
· “Seek Me” means: Make God the center of your life. Look for God in your decisions, your actions, your relationships—don’t just follow the crowd or chase material things.
· “Live” means: Experience true life, not just survival. God isn’t talking about mere breathing—He’s talking about a life that’s rich in meaning, purpose, peace, and joy. It’s about flourishing, not just existing.
God isn’t saying, “Do this ritual and you’ll be fine,” or “Follow these rules to get a reward.” He’s saying, “Turn to Me, focus on Me, and you’ll discover what real life is all about.”
Why Did Israel Need This Message?
The people Amos spoke to were outwardly religious. They went to the temple, brought sacrifices, and observed the festivals. But their hearts were far from God. They worshipped idols, cheated the poor, and used their power for selfish gain.
God, through Amos, is like a parent telling a distracted child, “Look at me! I’m what you need. Come back to what matters!” It’s a call to get back on track, to stop pretending, and to start living the way God intended—by seeking justice, loving others, and genuinely connecting with God.
The Bigger Picture: What Does This Mean for Us?
We might not live in ancient Israel, but the message is just as timely today. It’s easy to get caught up in the busyness of life—chasing after success, wealth, popularity, or even just surviving the daily grind. We might even go through religious motions: attending services, saying prayers, or acting “spiritual” on the outside.
But Amos 5:4 reminds us that what God really wants is our hearts. God’s invitation is to seek Him—not just occasionally, but as a way of life. When we do, we find more than religious routine; we find real life, purpose, and joy.
Breaking It Down: Key Points in Simple Terms
· God is reaching out to us. The invitation to “seek Me” is like a friend waving from across a crowded room, calling us over. God is always making the first move—inviting us to come closer.
· It’s about relationship, not ritual. God isn’t impressed by empty religious practices. What matters is a genuine relationship—a real connection that changes how we live and treat others.
· True life comes from God. We often think that money, status, or comfort will make us happy. Amos reminds us that real, lasting life—meaning, hope, and peace—comes from seeking God, not from fleeting things.
· It’s never too late to turn around. The call to “seek” is open to all, no matter how far we’ve wandered. God’s door is always open.
The Problem of Superficial Religion
One of the big issues Amos points out is “going through the motions.” Imagine someone who says all the right words, goes to all the right events, but never actually lives out what they say they believe. That was Israel’s problem—they did the rituals, but ignored justice and mercy.
Amos’s words challenge us to look deeper. Are we living lives that match what we say we believe? Are we using our blessings to help others, or just for ourselves? Do we treat people with kindness and fairness, or are we only interested in our own gain?
Turning Away From “Vanities”
Amos also makes it clear that seeking God means turning away from worthless things—what he calls “vanities.” These are the distractions, the idols (literal or figurative), and the self-centered pursuits that keep us from what’s truly important.
It’s like cleaning out a cluttered closet: you have to get rid of the junk to make room for what matters. In spiritual terms, that means letting go of habits, attitudes, or pursuits that pull us away from God, so we can focus on what brings real life.
Why Is This Still Relevant?
Society today isn’t so different from ancient Israel. There’s prosperity in some places and hardship in others. There’s plenty of religious activity, but not always true justice or compassion. We’re surrounded by distractions and temptations to focus on ourselves.
The message of Amos 5:4 cuts through all of that: Seek God, and you’ll find life. All the outward success in the world can’t replace the inner peace and purpose that come from a real relationship with God.
How Do We “Seek” God?
This may sound abstract, but it’s really practical. Here are some everyday ways to “seek” God:
· Make time for reflection. Set aside moments in your day to pause, pray, read, or just be mindful of God’s presence.
· Live with integrity. Treat people fairly. Stand up for what’s right, even when it’s hard.
· Show kindness and compassion. Help those in need. Forgive others. Look for ways to serve, not just be served.
· Be honest with yourself and God. Don’t pretend to have it all together. God values honesty and humility.
· Let go of distractions. Ask yourself what’s getting in the way of your relationship with God, and take steps to refocus.
Final Thoughts: Why “Seek Me and Live” Matters
Amos 5:4 reminds us that God’s greatest desire is for us to know and seek Him. Life isn’t about ticking boxes or impressing others—it’s about a genuine connection with God that transforms us from the inside out.
This isn’t just an old verse from a dusty book. It’s an invitation that’s fresh every day: Seek God, and find real life—the kind that endures, satisfies, and makes a difference.
So next time you feel lost, empty, or overwhelmed, remember this simple message: God is calling out, “Seek Me and live.” And when you answer, you’ll discover a life that’s richer and fuller than you ever imagined.
Minister A Francine Green I July 2025
afrancinegreen.com 