God through Amos dealt with a sin in Israel, the Northern Kingdom, that is so prevalent today. The people were disregarding the commands of God because they were at ease in the lap of luxury.
In Amos 6:1 we read, “Woe to them that are at ease in Zion . . .” Listen how God describes Israel in verses 4 through 6 of this same chapter. “That lie upon beds of ivory, and stretch themselves upon their couches, and eat the lambs out of the flock, and calves out of the midst of the stall; That chant to the sound of the vial, and invent to themselves instruments of music like David; That drink wine in bowls and anoint themselves with the chief ointments: but they are not grieved for the affliction of Joseph.” In other words, they were taking it easy, unconcerned about their sins. The result, “therefore now shall they go captive with the first that go captive, and the banquet of them that stretched themselves shall be removed” (v.7).
Amos 3:15 tells us that God was going to smite their “winter house with the summer house,” also “the houses of ivory” would perish, and “the great houses” would have an end. Luxury is fine as long as man controls the luxury and luxury does not control the man. However, this was not the case in Israel.
Today, how many members of the church are just like Israel? They have plenty and have allowed the plenty to tell them “Take it easy, be at ease.” So about all they can do is sometimes make it to worship on Sunday morning. The result, eternal condemnation because they have not been faithful to the Lord (Rev. 2:10). The apostle Paul said, “For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope” (Rom. 15:4). May we take heed to the fall of Israel so we will not fall.
Ken Tyler
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