Amos 5  I read a devotional this morning that talked about laying up a treasure in heaven.. (Matthew 6:19-20).  The author indicated that this treasure is those who we lead to the Lord. But, when I looked up the scripture references on it, I think it is more than that..

 Luke 12:33  makes it clear.. " Sell your possessions and give to charity; make yourselves purses that do not wear out, an unfailing treasure in heaven, where no thief comes near, not moth destroys. For where your treasure is there will your heart be also."  Jesus told the rich young ruler in Matthew 19:21 to "sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you shall have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me."   As I thought about this, I prayed for more understanding and clarity as to what this means.. for me.  And then I began to read Amos 5...

The people of Israel laid up their treasures on the earth..  they imposed "heavy rent on the poor". 
They exacted "a tribute of grain from them".
They built themselves great houses of stone.. planted "pleasant vineyards" and multiplied their wealth along with their transgressions..
They oppressed and distressed the poor and needy.  They hated the righteous and those with integrity.
They were hypocrites who offered sacrifices to look good, but never gave up their idols.  Their hearts and their treasures were on earth... and just as Jesus said.. they were about to learn that "moth and rust destroy, and .. thieves break in and steal..." earthly treasures.

Amos 5:12 "For I know your transgressions are many and your sins are great... " Therefore.. their houses would be destroyed, their vineyards worthless.. their lives taken and their country gone.  "She has fallen, she will not rise again... there is none to raise her up." ( v2)  The Lord would leave only a small remnant from Israel's people. Their time had come.. and justice was done. All their treasures were gone.. forever.

Amos reminds his listeners that it is the Lord God - Adonai, Sovereign Master,   He, who "made the Pleiades and Orion and changes deep darkness into morning, who also darkens day into night, who calls the waters of the sea and pours them out on the surface of the earth, the Lord is His name." - This is the One who is bringing destruction upon them...  He has rejected their false "worship".  He refused their offerings .  He would not even listen to their songs.  He was sending into exile..

Yet, there is a word of hope.. the Lord still calls them.. " Seek Me that you may live." 
 How?  "Seek good and not evil, that you may live; and thus the Lord of hosts be with you.... Hate evil and love good, and establish justice in the gate! Perhaps the Lord God of hosts may be gracious to the remnant of Joseph." The thing God treasures more than anything .. ".. let justice roll down like waters and righteousness like and overflowing stream." 

 In Luke 12 Jesus tells the parable of the rich man who had so much that he wanted to tear down his barns to build even bigger ones.  This was his treasure.. and God called him a fool. "This very night your soul is required of you;".. it was all worthless in the end..  Jesus said, " So is the man who lays up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God."  He teaches us that we should not worry or be anxious about earthly treasures.. "But seek for His kingdom and these things shall be added to you. " His Kingdom - the unfailing treasure.

Father in heaven, Adonai, Lord of hosts, hallowed be Your name.  Bring Your Kingdom here Lord God.  Let Your will be  done here..  We do seek You.  We seek to lay up treasures in heaven, to do good and not evil, to do justice and to love mercy, and to walk with Jesus always.  Keep us from foolish, selfish, sinful living, Lord.  Lead us in paths of righteousness for Your name's sake.
In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.