Famous Amos
Today’s Verse:
Then answered Amos, and said to Amaziah, I was no prophet, neither was I a prophet's son; but I was an herdman, and a gatherer of sycomore fruit: And the LORD took me as I followed the flock, and the LORD said unto me, Go, prophesy unto my people Israel. ~Amos 7:14-15
Famous Amos® is a popular brand of chocolate chip cookies. It is named after its founder, who took a treat that he enjoyed into a national brand name. The very name of the cookie, as well as its various chocolate chip and nut varieties, made it a well sought-after treat. This morning, I would like for us to consider another Amos who is famous among Bible-believing Christians. He is the prophet Amos, after which a book of the Bible is named. This Amos of Tekoa teaches us that God is willing to use anyone who is obedient and willing to follow Him.
Let us consider his recruitment.
Amos was, for many years, a herdsman and a cultivator of sycamore fruit. He led a quiet and peaceful life as an agriculturist and farmer. Then the day came when the Lord took him as he followed the flock and called him to be a prophet of God. He did not have formal training as a prophet. He did not descend from a family of prophets. He was a simple man from the country whom the Lord saw had qualities fit for serving Him. God wants to use you. It could be that God wants to use you in a greater way than where you are in your occupation now. What you lack in terms of training and experience is not as important to God as your obedience and submission.
Let us consider his responsibility.
His very name means “burden bearer.” His message conveyed the burden of the Lord. The message that God gave him was one that strongly denounced the sins of idolatry, indulgences, immorality, and insubordination. You never find him inserting his thoughts or opinions in his messages. His messages were always, “Thus saith the Lord GOD,” or, “Hear ye this word.” It is a heavy responsibility to be a preacher of the Word of God. Preachers carry a message that has eternal consequences. Preachers are God’s messengers of truth in a society filled with lies, deceit, and evil. His messages were not confined to just one group, but he preached to different kings and multiple nations. It is amazing how this simple, uneducated country boy was given special grace to preach to so many people.
Let us consider his rejection.
Amos was rejected by those he preached to. His credibility was frequently questioned. His message raised the ire of those he preached to. He was accused of being an insurrectionist and committing treason against Israel for his strong preaching. If you are going to be sold out in your service for the Lord, you must accept the fact that you will be rejected. You will be scorned and shunned. There will be times of loneliness and, even, discouragement. You will face hostile groups who will protest you and even seek to take your life. Amos is in a lineup of men who will be remembered as men of righteousness and truth because they lived an uncompromising life.
Let us consider his resilience.
Amos was a man who was strong in the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. He was steadfast and unmovable. In spite of pushback, he kept preaching! He kept moving forward. The many years that he spent caring for his flocks and cultivating sycamore fruit prepared him for the hardships and difficulties that he faced. He was not a quitter or one who looked for an easy way out. He kept pressing on the upward way for the Lord. Don’t let discouragement or setbacks keep you from serving the Lord. Be tough! Be resilient!
Amos encourages us that God can and will use you if you will be obedient and submissive. Let go of your reservations, excuses, and copouts. Just follow and see what the Lord will do with one life wholly committed to Him!
Have a fulfilling God Morning!
Bible Reading Schedule: Psalms 66-69