Read Amos 6:1–8
Questions from the Scripture text: Upon whom is this second woe now pronounced (Amos 6:1, cp. Amos 5:18)? In what do they trust? What other capital cities have failed to protect and provide for their people (Amos 6:2)? What are all such trusts attempting to put off (Amos 6:3a)? But what do these actually provoke to come near (verse 3b)? What sort of life are they living, in this false confidence (Amos 6:4-6b)? But about whom do they not care (Amos 6:6c)? With whom will the fate of these afflicted be replicated (Amos 6:7)? How sure is this to happen (Amos 6:8a)? Why will it happen (verse 8b–d)? How completely will it happen (verse 8e–f)?
What’s so dangerous about taking safety for granted and self-indulgence? Amos 6:1–8 looks forward to the hearing of God’s Word, publicly read, in the holy assembly on the coming Lord’s Day. In these eight verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that complacency and self-indulgence provoke God’s anger.
Deluded by comfort. The northern kingdom in Amos’s day is a little too close to home for us. Almost certainly, if someone asked them in what they trusted, they would have said that it was in YHWH. But the Lord Himself has a different analysis. They trusted in their capital city (Amos 6:6b), coming to the government for that for which they should have come to God (verse 6c–d). They assumed their comfort would never end (verse 6a)! And so do the people of the nation in which I write.
But they should have had the wisdom to consider the downfalls of many other nations and governments stronger than theirs (Amos 6:2). Ironically, it is precisely their presuming of their safety (Amos 6:3a) that provoked God’s wrath (verse 3b). I wonder if you take your safety and comfort for granted, because of the apparent power and stability of your own nation, dear reader.
Distracted by pleasure. Indeed, we learn from Amos 6:7a that Assyria has already started making inroads into Israel by the time this is written. But what are they doing, who are yet untouched by their brothers’ affliction? Indulging themselves with all the pleasures they can find (Amos 6:4-6b), including the pleasures of manmade religion (Amos 6:5b implies religious instrumental music that God did not command). Now, the Lord is going to bring the same upon them as He had already brought upon their brothers (Amos 6:7)!
Destroyed by pride. YHWH now declares that their destruction will be sure (He swears an oath by Himself, Amos 6:8a). It will come in God’s abhorrence and hatred (verse 8b–d). And it will be complete (verse 8e–f). Let us be watchful against complacent, presumptuous, self-indulgence. Especially in religious things. Woe to those who provoke the Lord this way, despite how certain they feel that it is all well with them and will remain that way!
What evidence is there in your life that you are not taking things for granted, but looking to the Lord? In what ways/areas are you most in danger of indifference toward God or man?
Sample prayer: Lord, forgive us for living as if our nation’s power and security are forever. Truly, to do so is to trust in notable persons rather than to trust in You. And forgive us for being unmoved by what others suffer, while we enjoy the choicest luxuries and entertainments. We are humiliated by how easily indifference toward you and indifference toward others go hand-in-hand in our lives. But, we know that You have set Yourself entirely against such complacency and indifference. So, forgive us for Christ’s sake, and give us to trust in You, and to love You, and to love our brother and our neighbor, we ask through Christ, AMEN!
Suggested Songs: ARP98 “O Sing a New Song to the LORD” or TPH440 “Come , Ye Sinners, Poor and Wretched”
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