Amos 4:4-5

Amos 4:4-5 (ESV): “4  “Come to Bethel, and transgress; to Gilgal, and multiply transgression; bring your sacrifices every morning, your tithes every three days; 5  offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving of that which is leavened, and proclaim freewill offerings, publish them; for so you love to do, O people of Israel!” declares the Lord God.”

How sad it is when the worship of the people of God becomes an abomination before the Lord. How you come to His house is just as important as what you do when you get there.

Through Amos, the Lord addresses the profane worship of Israel. Jeroboam, king of the northern kingdom, set up golden calves in Bethel and Gilgal so the people could offer daily sacrifices there (1 Kgs 12:28–30). This was an abomination to God. They offered their sacrifices in sinful irreverence. They weren’t worshiping God at all—they were worshiping themselves, and they didn’t even realize it.

Did you know Bethel and Gilgal still exist today? Many modern churches gather to worship themselves and don’t even know it. Reverence has disappeared, and people’s preferences have taken priority. “Self” has become the center of attention. That is a profane way to worship, and God is not pleased with it. Make sure that when you come to God’s house, you come with reverence and adoration for Him. He must be the center of attention in your heart. Amen?

Father, forgive us for making our gatherings about us. Strip away our preferences until all we can see is You. In Jesus’ name, amen.