Wednesday Reflection, November 25, 2020 False Security

Wednesday Reflection, November 25, 2020

False Security

Amos 6 opens with what may appear to be a contradiction to the lifestyle of the people at in that day. The prophet warns, ‘woe to them that are at ease in Zion’. Why would anybody want to warn anyone about being too comfortable?

Zion, was a fortified city, made that way by both nature and art. The people there were secured in a type of vain conceit thinking that they would be protected and spared from anything or anyone who would pose a threat to them. Zion was that great a city, it had a rich history and was ranked a top class place with automatically top ranking citizens.

The people were lovers of themselves, became self seeking individuals who disregarded the commands the Lord gave them and instead sought their own pleasures. They thought that their positions in life and the location of the city in which they lived were enough to secure them.

In today’s watchword, Amos 6:6 says, ‘you drink wine by the bowlful and use the finest lotions, but do not mourn over the ruin of Joseph.’ This reflects the state of a people who were consumed only by what happened to their own selves. They were preoccupied with filling their bellies with the best and using only the best personal care items wihout giving a thought to the cost of their actions.

Brothers and sisters, some of us may be considered inhabitants of Zion. A people specifically chosen and given benefits however, we have become spoiled and presumptious sinners who abuse the privileges we have been given. Conforming to this world or allowing vain confidence to bear fruit in our lives.

1 Timothy 6:17-19 tells us, ‘as for those who in the present age are rich, command them not to be haughty, or to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but rather on God who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. They are to do good, to be rich in good works, generous, and ready to share, thus storing up for themselvrs the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so they may take hold of the life that really is life.

Friends, as we reflect today, and during this upcoming yuletide season, may we only boast of God’s grace. May pride never take root in our heart and may we not be deceived by our own lusts but rather wait on the Lord and put all our trust in Him instead of in our own abilities.

Would it be too much to ask that we consider thr needs of others above our own? That we give to someone without them having to ask? That we harbor good/positive thoughts and only speak life? Starting today, what acts of kindness will you begin to perform?

Until next week, I urge you to not rest at ease in Zion but challenge you to keep the commands of God.

Amen

Kerone Lamoth