Amo 6:1 Woe to them that are at ease in Zion, and trust in the mountain of Samaria, which are named chief of the nations, to whom the house of Israel came!

Woe to those that are at ease in Zion – The people of Israel were having too good a time. Amos wrote: “That lie upon beds of ivory, and stretch themselves upon their couches, and eat the lambs out of the flock, and the calves out of the midst of the stall; That chant to the sound of the viol, and invent to themselves instruments of musick, like David; That drink wine in bowls, and anoint themselves with the chief ointments” (vs 4-6).

It is not a sin to have some enjoyment and free time. But Israel had it too much that they neglected God. And God was going to destroy them and hence, the warning: “Woe to those that are at ease in Zion.” They should take heed instead and start to return to God.

To the world, Happy are those that are at ease, that is trouble free, is having so much that they could say to themselves: “Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry” (Luke 12:19). They are the envy of every man. But against them is this woe denounced: “But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided? So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God” (Luke 12:20, 21).

The careless "eats and drink, and marry, and are given in marriage" (Luke 17:27). They think nothing about what happens after death. They are dead to spiritual things. They do not see the beauty of spiritual qualities, or the need of the Divine Being. Accordingly, they feel secure in their wealth, success, and achievements, and are unaware of the judgement that they will face.

But, that is to be expected from worldly men. How about us as Christians? The woe is to them that are at ease IN ZION. Zion is the place where God’s people dwell. Christians are in Mount Zion: “But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels” (Hebrews 12:22).

Should Christians be at ease in Zion? Brethren, are you at ease in Zion today? Consider the nation of Israel - there was peace and prosperity, there was so much wealth before them, everything seemed to be going well, everyone was prospering - yet there was this prophet standing out there shouting “Woe unto them that are at ease in Zion!'. They must be thinking: “How could it be? We have been so blessed. We never have such peace and prosperity before. God is blessing us. Amos, are you sure you know what you are talking about?” To them, Amos had made a mistake.

Likewise, many Christians think they are doing all right in the sight of God because of the material blessings they are enjoying now. But read Matthew 4:9: “All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me.”

Note that Christ did not utter that statement in Matthew 4:9. That statement came from the devil. Many do not realise they are working for the devil. “He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful” (Matthew 13:22). Such Christians are fruitful in this world but unfruitful in the kingdom of God. They have been spending time with the devil and not with God’s people. It’s no wonder they are at ease in Zion.

Brethren, you know better than to be at ease in Zion. God wants you to abound in His works (1 Corinthians 15:58). He wants you to be busy and not at ease in His kingdom. He asks: “Are you at ease in Zion?”

Jimmy Lau

Psa 119:97  Oh how love I thy law! It is my meditation all the day.