For many years, the statement “let them eat cake” has been attributed to Marie Antoinette, even though there is no proof that she ever uttered the statement. But the words are synonymous with a complacent attitude toward the poor. This passage in Amos shows a similar attitude in regard to the plight of the poor. Besides uttering an indictment against the people of Israel for their sins, the prophet Amos had harsh words for the pampered, wealthy women of Samaria (the northern kingdom of Israel). By calling them “cows,” Amos compared them to the well-known breed of cattle in the land.

The old saying, “If you’re not part of the solution, you’re part of the problem” is a fitting one for this passage. The women turned a blind eye to the needs of the poor, and instead focused on their own needs. They didn’t know what it was like to be in need, so God had bad news for them. They would experience firsthand what being in need was like.

Reflect

What was God’s “case” against Israel in Amos 3? How did the women’s attitude (Amos 4) add to the case? When have youseen this type of attitude in our day?

When are you most tempted toward complacency? How aware are you of the needs of those around you? What will you do to find out what those needs are or help meet them?

Pray:

Lord God, you have given us so much. You are not pleased with complacency. Give me the courage to speak with boldness your word of truth. Give me eyes to see the needs around me.

Next: Day 23 of 40

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There are many passages in the Bible on money. Let’s face it: many people have a strong interest in the subject. In his Sermon on the Mount, Jesus cautioned his listeners against being slaves of money. This caution has great relevance today. Many of us live divided lives. We are wage slaves, worshipers at the shrine of wealth, dreaming of lottery-sized windfalls, buying stuff we don’t need with money we don’t actually have.

The Bible is realistic. We need money to live. People need to earn a living. There’s a difference between working for a living and living to work. There’s a difference between earning money and worshiping it. Billions of people survive on less than two dollars per day. It’s vital, therefore, that we work out how much is “enough.” Our heart should be with God, not in the shop window, the savings account, or the investment portfolio. After all, Jesus reminds us that we can take nothing with us when we die, but we can store up treasures in heaven (Matthew 6.19–21). We need to master money before it masters us.

Reflect

Why do you think money is such a popular subject in the Bible? What are your views on money? How do your spending habits show your view of money?

Check out Psalm 119.36; Matthew 6.24–33; Luke 16.10–12. Take time to pray about your finances and your view of money. Does it have mastery over you or do you have mastery over it?

Pray:

Lord, you give yourself to me freely so that I can experience the richness of your love forever. Help me to serve you with humbleness and gratitude.

Next: Day 22 of 40

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