Amos 5 and 6 speaks out against Israel’s lack of justice and righteousness. The leaders are oppressing the poor and using the labors of the people for their own wealth and comfort. They may be worshiping in the temple but they are not keeping the law of God. God does not accept their worship because they are not living the whole of their lives in obedience. They do not see that their acceptance of idols and the way they treat their citizens is a sin against God.

We are not judged solely on our attendance at worship services. God looks upon the whole of our lives. If we say the holy things on Sunday but do unholy things the rest of the week we are hypocrites. Merely acting the part for a short period of time does not mean that our hearts are pure. We need to live righteous and just lives 24/7. Then we will be obedient to God’s commands.

In Revelation 7 God holds back judgment on the earth until all the righteous receive the seal of protection on their foreheads. There is a beautiful description of all those who have been saved worshiping before the throne of God. Jesus leads them to the springs of living waters. There is no more hunger, thirst or pain. God wipes all the tears from their eyes.