It began in a garage, as so many companies seem to begin.  Now it is “often referred to as ‘one of the most influential economic and cultural forces in the world,’ and is often regarded as one of the world’s most valuable brands.  It is considered to be one of the Big Five American technology companies, alongside Alphabet (parent company of Google), Apple, Meta and Microsoft” (Wikipedia).

In 1994, Jeff Bezos, a Princeton University summa cum laude graduate, and his wife MacKenzie, left their corporate jobs in New York City and drove cross-country to Bellevue, Washington to chase a wild dream of creating an online bookstore.  Bezos actually and amazingly wrote his business plan along the way.  He chose the Seattle area because of the many high-tech companies in the vicinity.

In that Bellevue garage an online colossus was born.  “As of 2023, [Amazon] is the world’s largest online retailer and marketplace, …  and internet company as measured by revenue and market share.  In 2021, it surpassed Walmart as the world’s largest retailer outside of China, driven in large part by its paid subscription plan, Amazon Prime, which has over 200 million subscribers worldwide.  It is the second-largest private employer in the United States” (Wikipedia).

And Bezos … well, he’s doing alright.  He is “the first centibillionaire on the Forbes Real Time Billionaires Index and the second ever to have eclipsed the feat since Bill Gates in 1999.  Bezos was named the ‘richest man in modern history’” (Wikipedia).  Worth over $160 billion dollars as of September, 2023, he is currently the third-wealthiest person in the world.

Originally he called his fledgling company “Cadabra, Inc.”  But after recognizing the name could be easily misheard as “cadaver,” he rebranded the company “Amazon.”  He arrived at the name while searching the dictionary.  A name that began with A was ideal as it would be one of the first pulled up on searches.  Furthermore, “Amazon” was recognized as an “exotic and different” locale, while the Amazon River was the largest river in the world … just as he hoped his bookstore would be.

And now the company is known as “the everything store.”  Even some of its commercials have keyed in on how the name AmaZon refers to the store offering all things from A to Z.  In truth, the company is the literal “go-to” online resource for whatever a person might need.  Looking for something, and at a reasonable price?  The advice is typically, “Go to Amazon.”

I can’t help but see some similarities between Amazon and our God.  Of course, our God is much better!  But consider these common aspects:

Amazon may seem to have it all; the Lord really does have everything.  “Everything under heaven belongs to me” (Job 41:11).  And the Lord really offers everything (James 1:17) – especially in regard to our most crucial spiritual needs!  “My God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19). 

Better than a website, when we are wanting, a simple request to the Almighty is all that’s necessary to have it provided.  But at no cost!  The Lord says, “Before they call I will answer; while they are still speaking I will hear” (Isaiah 65:24).

Amazon trucks seem to be everywhere and delivering 7-days-a-week.  God really is everywhere and always delivering blessings.  (Psalm 23).

Unlike Amazon’s claim, the Lord truly is the one-and-only A to Z.

“I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty” (Revelation 1:8).  “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End.  To the thirsty I will give water without cost from the spring of the water of life.  Those who are victorious will inherit all this, and I will be their God and they will be my children” (Revelation 21:6-7)

Unfortunately, Amazon has a reputation for being cut-throat toward other companies and uncaring toward their employees … the rigorous work demands sometimes promoting a toxic work environment.  (It’s not just jealous hearsay; I have been personally told this by some employees and former employees.)

Yet, our Savior Jesus is exactly the opposite.  He lovingly urges us, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. … I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls” (Matthew 11:28-29).

Better than Amazon?  Far better!  Our God is Amaz – ing! 

Remember that the next time you access their website or see one of their trucks.