Amo 4:12 Therefore thus will I do unto thee, O Israel: and because I will do this unto thee, prepare to meet thy God, O Israel.

In Amos 4, God calls on the nation Israel to prepare to meet their God (vs 12).

The first question that obviously will come to our mind is: "WHY SHOULD WE MEET GOD?"                         

Well, the answer is relatively simple. It is because whether we like it or not, we must all appear before the judgement seat of God (2 Corinthians 5:10). This meeting with God is inevitable! There is absolutely no escape! Every individual in the world must meet God (Hebrews 9:27). 

The second question would be: "WHY SHOULD WE PREPARE OURSELVES TO MEET GOD?"                         

The answer is simple too: because of the serious consequence if we go unprepared. God said: “Therefore thus will I do unto thee, O Israel: and because I will do this unto thee,” (vs 12). What was God referring to? The answer is in the verse 11: “I have overthrown some of you, as God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah,” (vs 11a). God destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah because of their sins, God will destroy Israel too.

This meeting with God concerns His judgment and our eternal destiny. All of us want to go to heaven. The outcome of our eternal destiny will be made known on that day. Surely, it is a meeting we will all want to be prepared for.

Then, the most important question: "HOW SHOULD WE PREPARE OURSELVES TO MEET GOD?" 

Indeed, there are many preparations for us in order to enter heaven. What are they?

1. FAITH. The first condition to enter heaven is FAITH. Heaven is not for those who do not believe in God. “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him” (Hebrews 11:6).

2. HOLINESS. Prepare to meet God by forsaking sin: “Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord” (Hebrews 12:14). Only the pure in heart shall see God (Matthew 5:8).

3. WORSHIP. Prepare to meet God by a spiritual worship: “God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth” (John 4:24). How do you worship God?

4. DOCTRINES. Prepare to meet God by seeking truth. Those who believe and preach a false doctrines are accursed: “But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed” (Galatians 1:8). To be accursed is to be eternally condemned.

We should prepare to meet God in worship by going to a church where truth is honoured as a very high premium. The Israelites were a religious people. But they had lost touch with the God of truth and they were not worshiping in truth (Matthew 15:9). True worshippers are those who worship God in truth (John 4:24).

5. SERVICE. Prepare to meet God by a life of service to Him. Christ told a parable of two servants who were given charge to take care of their masters’ household while they were away. One servant diligently carried out his duty and was blessed when the master returned. The other did not and was condemned (Matthew 24:45-51).

When the Lord comes again, will He find you actively in His service? Are you prepared to meet your God?

Jimmy Lau

Psa 119:97  Oh how love I thy law! It is my meditation all the day.