Amos is rebuked by one of the King’s priests today. He is told, you should not be a prophet here. Go back to your home and prophecy there. However, Amos responds that he is not a prophet. He doesn’t come from a line of prophets. He was simply called by God to go and speak, so that is what he did. Today, you don’t have to be a preacher to speak. You just need to go where it is that God has called you. Go. Be faithful. Follow His voice, follow His lead. Go where He sends. In doing that, you are being faithful.

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Good morning, it’s a pleasure to be with you on this Wednesday as we continue our exploration of Amos. Today, we’ll delve into chapter 7, specifically verses 10 through 17, which present a fascinating interaction between Amaziah the priest of Bethel and the prophet Amos.

Amaziah accuses Amos of conspiring against King Jeroboam of Israel, claiming that Amos’s words are too harsh for the land to bear. He urges Amos to leave Bethel and prophesy elsewhere, implying that his presence is unwelcome. However, Amos firmly asserts his divine calling, stating that he is not a professional prophet but a simple herdsman and dresser of sycamore trees. Despite his humble background, God has appointed him to speak truth to Israel.

This encounter reveals the religious and political tensions in Israel during that time. The northern kingdom, led by Jeroboam, had distanced itself from Jerusalem and the true worship of God. Instead, they established their own places of worship, such as Bethel, where Amaziah served as a priest. When Amos, hailing from the southern kingdom of Judah, dared to prophesy in the northern kingdom, he faced opposition from religious authorities like Amaziah.

Amos’s response to Amaziah is both courageous and humble. He refuses to be silenced or intimidated, asserting his obedience to God’s call above all else. Despite lacking formal training or credentials, Amos demonstrates that faithfulness to God’s word transcends human qualifications.

This story challenges us to consider our own obedience to God’s call, regardless of our background or circumstances. Like Amos, we may encounter resistance or opposition when we speak truth to power. Yet, we are called to be faithful witnesses, trusting in God’s guidance and empowerment.

So, let’s take inspiration from Amos’s example today. Let’s be bold in proclaiming God’s truth, even when it’s unpopular or difficult. Let’s heed the call to speak out against injustice and oppression, knowing that God equips and empowers us for His purposes.

As we journey through Amos, let’s reflect on how we can faithfully respond to God’s call in our lives. Tomorrow, we’ll continue our exploration with chapter 8. Thank you for joining me on this journey. Have a blessed day, and may we all follow where God leads us.