Grieve for Joseph

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! 2 Pass ye unto Calneh, and see; and from thence go ye to Hamath the great: then go down to Gath of the Philistines: be they better than these kingdoms? or their border greater than your border? 3 Ye that put far away the evil day, and cause the seat of violence to come near; 4 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; 5 That chant to the sound of the viol, and invent to themselves instruments of musick, like David; 6 That drink wine in bowls, and anoint themselves with the chief ointments: but they are not grieved for the affliction of Joseph..

Zion is the place of safety in God. But it is not a place for ease. There are many saints especially in more comfortable circumstances … perhaps in more economically advantaged nations and cultures who begin to preach the gospel of ease. They write books that encourage to take it easy. These saints forget that there are saints in India, hostile Arab lands …saints being killed in prison camps in Korea …saints that are being targeted in Pakistan … and many next doors going through one affliction or the other. Many saints have backslidden or have falling prey to deception …but other saints do not care. They just engage in new selfish expressions of fun.

The gospel that preaches that affliction is synonymous with evil is false …as the Bible says many are the afflictions of the righteous …but God delivers from them all. Prosperity is part of the gospel but so is affliction. The afflicted must remember the comfortable and pray for them …but the comfortable must also intercede for grace and deliverance of the afflicted. In this devotional, the text explains that those who relax in ease and luxury and pleasant courts …and who do not feel part of the pains of the persecuted saints – are setting themselves for future destruction. These tend to pray less and less … slowly becoming more vulnerable until they are like fattened cattle being prepared for a future slaughter. Spare time, prayers, attention, funds and practical help for brothers and sisters who do not have the comforts we take for granted. A brother in affliction should cause another to be motivated to support in prayer, encouragement and just being there for them. Instead many find themselves judging other saints when they come under afflictions. Beware of Ease in Zion. Amos says Woe …meaning cursed are these. Come out of ease.

Song.

Lead us, Heavenly Father, lead us

O’er the world’s tempestuous sea;

Guard us, guide us, keep us, feed us,

For we have no help but Thee;

Yet possessing every blessing

If our God our Father be.

Savior, breathe forgiveness o’er us;

All our weakness Thou dost know;

Thou didst tread this earth before us,

Thou didst feel its keenest woe;

Lone and dreary, faint and weary,

Through the desert Thou didst go.

Prayer: Lord of Hosts, breathe your forgiveness over us for all our weaknesses, thou dost know. Amen

The Songs of Joseph is an integration of encouragement scriptural devotions, prayers and a compendium of songs of mercy, salvation, new beginnings and victory. We can expect as we trust and obey that our end will indeed be ultimately glorious because God works His marvellous agenda. Be blessed as you read and sing along, daily. Edited by Bolade Apampa