Here in this passage, Jesus shows his disciples how we do and don't enter into God's eternal kingdom. Trusting in your own goodness or trying to gain it in your own strength will leave you sad and missing out, just like the young man. But if we take on the childlike qualities of faith and dependence, like children and trust ourselves to Jesus, then we will find it.

There are three verses in the Bible that use the phrase "The Son of Man came..." Mark 10:45 tells us he came "...not to be served but to serve and give his life as a ransom". Luke 19:10 says he came "...to seek and save the lost." Luke 7:34 says he came "...eating and drinking" The first two what Jesus came to achieve; to give his life in service to save the lost. The third one tells us how he does this; fellowshipping with people around meals. As we reflect on the life of Jesus and point others to him, we need to follow his example and share a meal with others. In the simple act of sharing a meal, we show acceptance and love and the opportunity to share our lives and Jesus with others.

In the busyness of life we often find the most important things that need to be done can be neglected. In this passage we see that Martha is distracted by many things as she prepares in serving Jesus. In contrast, Mary is siting at Jesus' feet and listening intently to Him. We need to take the time, and make it a priority in our life, to spend time with Jesus daily and listen to what He has to say to us.

God continues to warn the Israelites to turn from their ways from the sins of Jeroboam, who had set up a counterfeit kingdom to worship and one that did not follow the ways of the Lord. In this final chapter of Amos, God tells of how He will destroy Israel. There will be ne escape for the destruction for the people, except for the limited few, that whilst not perfect, still love the Lord. There will be hope for these limited people as God restore His kingdom. Today, God wants us to turn away from our sinful ways and to focus and trust our lives to Jesus.

Amos once again tells the people of Israel to hear the words of God. Amos remind the people that after all of their sin and turning their backs on God, all they have to do is seek Him and live. This call goes out to the whole of the nation but it is up to individuals to respond. By not turning to the Lord the Israelites will not receive His mercy and will be destroyed. We need to seek the Lord by seeking the good, and avoiding evil, in what we do and God will grant us life. Turn our back on God and we will face His coming judgement.