At Ease in Zion

“Woe to them that are at ease in Zion” (Amos 6:1).

Martin Luther told this parable: Satan called a council of his chiefs to get their various reports. “I let loose the wild beasts of the desert on a caravan of Christians and their bones are now bleaching on the sands,” said one demon.

“What of that?” said Satan. “Their souls are all saved.”

Another offered, “I drove an east wind against a shipload of Christians, and they were all drowned.”

“What of that? Their souls are all saved!” replied Satan.

A third demon said, “For ten years I tried to get a group of Christians asleep, and I succeeded. They are all sleeping now.”

The devil shouted with glee and all the imps of hell rejoiced. Why? Because sleeping, complacent Christians will never win souls or accomplishing anything for God!

Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober. —1 Thessalonians 5:6