Title
The Church Is the Gate To the City
Scripture
They hate the one who rebukes in the gate, and they abhor the one who speaks uprightly.
(Amos 5:10)
Devotional
In ancient times, the wise and elders stood at the gates of the cities. They judged everyday matters and gave godly counsel. These men were revered and highly respected. This tradition has waned in most cultures including ours. Nevertheless, there remain wise, godly men and women who have both the wisdom and authority to rebuke those who are going astray. If you are blessed enough to find them, by no means hate them, but by all means embrace them. The prophet Amos says in verse 15, “Hate evil, love good; establish justice in the gate.”(1)
There is a gate to your city. Most likely it will be found around the corner in a local church. There you will find the wise men of the city. Go there and listen with an ear toward obedience. Do not hate the one who rebukes in the gate, nor abhor the one who speaks uprightly.
(1) Amos 5:15
Text For The Day
Amos 5:10: They hate the one who rebukes in the gate, and they abhor the one who speaks uprightly.
Thought For The Day
“A corrupt heart loves the comforts of the Word, but not the reproofs: ‘They hate the one who rebukes in the gate.’” Thomas Watson, (1620 – 1686), a Puritan giant, studied at Emmanuel College, Cambridge University.
Questions To Ponder
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Is there any other institution more significant to God than His bride, the Church?
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Is the church a place you go or who you are?
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Is your church the gate to the city?
Morning Study Guide
Defining: “Rebuke in the gate”: The place of authoritative correction, in the Old Testament days it was the literal location of the gates to the city, in the New Testament days it is the church on the corner.
Referencing: “Hate evil, love good; establish justice in the gate,” Amos 5:15.
Applying: Do not hate correction; seek it at the gate of your city.