The Best of the Portals of Prayer

Read: Amos 6:1-7 // Psalm 23

“Woe to those who are at ease in Zion, and to those who feel secure on the mountain of Samaria.”
Amos 6:1

Complacent?

World Series champions often struggle to win the championship again the next year. Top management might relax after climbing the corporate ladder. Confirmed Christians take it easy in worship attendance, thinking they have accomplished enough.
Amos writes to both Judah and Israel with a bold message against such complacency. He describes their lives of ease; lying on beds inlaid with ivory, dining on choice lambs, strumming on harps, and drinking wine by the bowlful, while both countries are headed for destruction. He condemns their pride and self-satisfaction. He calls them to repentance, and trust in the promised Messiah.
Amos’s words should rock our complacency as well. We drift away from God and His Word, filling our lives with trivialities. We forget about God’s plan for the world and our key role in that plan. Our complacency, shattered by the reality of God’s judgement, forces us to turn to the One who came for us – Jesus. He was never complacent about the Father’s plan of opposing Satan. Even now, He hears and forgives. And we, complacent no more, live for His purposes.

Lord, rouse us to live a life for You and our Gospel mission. Amen.

July 13, 1988