7/23/2012
Amos 6
-Woe is pronounced on those who are at “ease” in Zion and
those who feel secure in the mountain of Samaria (Amos 6:1). The LORD loathes
their arrogance and detests their false sense of security in themselves (Amos
6:8, 13). He is commanding “a smashing up” (vs. 11) as a foreign nation will be
lifted up against them for the purpose of affliction (Amos 6:14). The prophet
reiterates their primary faults as turning “justice into poison and righteousness
into wormwood (bitterness)” (Amos 6:12; 5:24). *Application* How easy is it to
let things get comfortable and complacent when things are going well? It is as
easy for us to get self-sufficient as it was for the children of Israel when
times of prosperity flow and it seems like we can do no wrong. In these times,
it is so tempting to give up our reliance on God, who gives and blesses with
all His goodness, and think that we have it all figured out. It is at those
times of “ease” that we must be very careful and vigilant. I heard a great
message a couple of weeks ago on the difference between “ease” and “rest.” God
certainly wants us to be at rest in Him (Psalm 116:7, Matthew 11:28-29, Hebrews
4:10-11). “Rest” is the confident assurance that God is in control and that
your striving in your own strength is futile and unwarranted. It has the connotation
of giving your own rights and placing faith in the Sovereign LORD. “Ease” on
the other hand deals with complacency, lethargy, laziness, and luxury. This is
where a sneak attack will come from the enemy and destroy the great things God
was doing in your life and journey. The best example of this scripturally is
David and his fall with Bathsheba (2 Samuel 11:1-12:23). Wherever you live, do
not succumb to the disease of “ease!”
Verse to Memorize:
Amos 6:1
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