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False Security in Religion and Material Goods - Amos 6:1-14
False Security in Religion and Material Goods - Amos 6:1-14
God desires holiness in His people. This is different from 'being religious', as seen here in Amos. Israel was very religious but they were not right with God. At this point in history, the great powers of the world were going thru difficult times, and thus Israel was left alone. In this situation they prospered both in enlarging their borders and acquiring great wealth. They reached the highest point of economic and military strength in their history as a nation. THIS was understood as an indication of their blessed relationship with God. It produced a false sense of security. They kept the religious festivals and assemblies (5:21), they multiplied their offerings and sacrifices unto God (4:4-5; 5:22), and they were energetic in their worship (5:23).
There were two basic problems with this. First, they were religious but not godly. Absent in their lives was justice, righteousness, and holiness. They oppressed the poor (2:6; 4:1; 5:11-12), they were sexually immoral (2:7), they ruled by bribes (5:12). Second, they were unfaithful to God. They worshiped the LORD AND served their idols (5:20, 25-27). They rejected the first 2 of the ten commandments. They refused to love God with all their hearts (Deut. 6:5). Their religion was not what God desired or instructed.
Along with this comes another problem: trust in materialism. They, as a nation, were indeed rich. They lived lives of ease: winter and summer homes (3:15), beds inlaid with ivory, they ate what we would call veal - specially fattened lambs and calves, indulged in lavish parties, and pampered themselves with expensive oils (6:4-6). All of this was taken as 'blessings from God' indicating their approval by God. In truth, Amos shows that God 'hated' their religion (5:21) and loathed their arrogance, detested their security (6:8).
It is hard not to see a parallel in our world today. We live under a different covenant and are not a chosen nation, but people still judge their relationship with God from wrong perspectives. Being religious is not necessarily being right with God. Being at ease and prospering in material wealth is not a sign of righteousness. In fact, the New Testament is filled with warnings concerning putting our trust in material blessings. By what standards are you evaluating your relationship with God?
Hugh DeLong
