Warning for the complacent

​“Who drink wine from sacrificial bowls While they anoint themselves with the finest of oils, Yet they have not grieved over the ruin of Joseph.”

‭‭Amos‬ ‭6:6‬ ‭NASB1995‬‬

https://bible.com/bible/100/amo.6.6.NASB1995

Amos 6 sounds to have a woe to the satisfied theme. The nations of Judah and Israel are referred to in verse 1. And it is before the exile that is talked about in verse 7. So what is going on in verse 6? They are living in luxury, enjoying the finest things. They either have made for themselves bowls to mimic the bowels used in the temple or they are using the bowls of the temple for their own uses and not for God’s. They have done the same with the anointing oil contrary to the word of God. 

“It shall not be poured on anyone’s body, nor shall you make any like it in the same proportions; it is holy, and it shall be holy to you. Whoever shall mix any like it or whoever puts any of it on a layman shall be cut off from his people.”

‭‭Exodus‬ ‭30:32-33‬ ‭NASB1995‬‬

https://bible.com/bible/100/exo.30.32-33.NASB1995

What does Amos mean by “Yet they have not grieved over the ruin of Joseph”? Joseph is represented by Ephraim and Manasseh. Before entering the Promise Land half the tribe of Manasseh stayed behind east of the Jordan. Later Samuel was chosen by his parents to be the last judge of Israel. He was from Ephraim. And when his reign as judge and prophet was over God moved His kingdom from Ephraim to Judah. And Ephraim was forgotten. 

The ruin of Joseph might be seen as the ruin of God being in charge. The people have forgotten God. Have forgotten the move of God. Have forgotten the voice of God. 

Have we gotten to the same point in America and around the world? Have we forgotten the great revivals that at one time or another have radically changed the whole society that they thought about stop building jails? Or the desire to move here to be able to worship God without the “crown” telling them they can only worship God their way. Yet we have not grieved over the ruin of purity? Not necessarily what the puritans believed but the call of God to live a pure life before God and men. 

“Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.”

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭5:16‬ ‭NASB1995‬‬

https://bible.com/bible/100/mat.5.16.NASB1995

“In view of this, I also do my best to maintain always a blameless conscience both before God and before men.”

‭‭Acts‬ ‭24:16‬ ‭NASB1995‬‬

https://bible.com/bible/100/act.24.16.NASB1995

When people see us do they see someone who looks like Jesus or themselves? When they observe our conduct and words do they figure we are Christian or do they see one of the “good ol’ boys”? Have we lost the desire of God to move radically in our lives and the world?