LEARNING DAILY

Amos 6:1, What sorrow awaits you who lounge in luxury in Jerusalem, and you who feel secure in Samaria! You are famous and popular in Israel, and people go to you for help. (New Living Translation) `

The prophet Amos gave warning to the proud leaders of Israel and Judah about their complacency and confidence in wealth and fortifications. The people were enjoying a life of ease and comfort. He wanted to shakeup their complacency by beginning his message with the word “woe” (Most versions begin this verse with the word woe.), “which would have stirred up images of death in the minds of his audience” (David Jeremiah). It was a warning of the coming destruction of the people of Israel who were living in luxury and ease, believing they were safe due to their position among the nations.

Why did they believe they were safe? Why were the people complacent? Amos lived during the reign of Jeroboam II; during this period of time Israel and Judah were both living in prosperity. It was a time of social injustice, idolatry, and the neglect of godly living by the leaders and the wealthy who surrounded them. It is times of ease, when there is no trouble to deal with that often lead to living without a care that led people into complacency.

Continue reading and see that Amos directs them to look at the cities of Calneh, Hamath, and Gath – all were great at one time. All were defeated and humbled by invading armies. Amos wanted them to look at what happened to these cities and learn from their experience. Read further and see that the people laughed at the idea that calamity was coming. The people’s senses were dulled believing that their material success proved they were living under God’s blessing. Banquets, overindulgences, and privileged circumstances – God’s judgment would never come! Those in Israel and Judah were in for a great surprise!

From a biblical standpoint, one’s social and economic standing in life and military power do not guarantee God’s favor. From what I see, God’s word meant nothing to those living in Israel and Judah at this time. Because of that, they lived to satisfy their sinful desires, were indifferent to the needs around them, and trusted in things other than God. I have heard it said many times that what someone is doing must have the blessing of God because of the prosperity he/she has. Once again, prosperity and a comfortable lifestyle does not prove one is living under God’s blessing. Instead, it can cause a person to live a worldly lifestyle where desiring and living for God no longer exists.

It is just this sort of belief that Paul writes about in chapter 3 of his second letter to Timothy. In the last days people will be focused on love of self, money, and pleasure. Read 2 Timothy 3:1-5! People will have all the right words (speaking Christianese), have a form or an appearance of godliness but instead are living for themselves. Just as the powerful in Israel and Judah did, the people Paul wrote about will take advantage of the weak and less fortunate in the world. Just as the people Amos spoke to were surprised, many people today are in for a great surprise when the Lord comes for His Bride!