This morning I read a chapter of the book of Amos, and I appreciate the boldness and dedication of this man who continued to speak God's truth in the midst of opposition. Amos was a man who worked as a herdsman and harvester who God called and ordained as a prophet to Israel. He was not the son of a prophet or long had aspirations of such a calling. Amaziah the priest of Bethel was not impressed by the word of the LORD through Amos and reported him to the king, that Amos was conspiring against him.
Amos 7:12-13 reads, "Then Amaziah said to Amos: "Go, you seer! Flee to the land of Judah. There eat bread, and there prophesy. 13 But never again prophesy at Bethel, for it is the king's sanctuary, and it is the royal residence." What Amaziah did with Amos who spoke as directed by God remains common to this day. People are fine with the concept of people having faith in God and His Word, but they don't want to hear it. They want those abhorrent views as far away as possible! Amaziah questioned the authority of Amos as a prophet, and by speaking against the messenger he hoped the message could be silenced. The ones who will not be silent will be censured, blocked, or discredited. Search algorithms are changed to make Christian content harder to find online. To Christians who are bold to speak truth in love the world says, "Go away!"
Amos didn't flee, and he didn't stop speaking as directed by God either. This boldness in the face of opposition marks those who are called by Jesus Christ to follow Him. Our motive for speaking or writing is not to make a name for ourselves as prophets or ministers but obedience to God who created mouths, ears, and godly counsel. Proverbs 25:12 says, "Like an earring of gold and an ornament of fine gold is a wise rebuker to an obedient ear." As earrings are designed to be worn on ears, so a wise rebuker and obedient ear go together. Amos was such a man who spoke in obedience to God concerning the state of the nation Israel, but sadly Amaziah nor the king had an obedient ear. They refused Amos and his message, but this did not deter the man who feared God. Let us be as Amos, humble messengers of the most High who fear God and continue to speak truth in love.
Amos 7:12-13 reads, "Then Amaziah said to Amos: "Go, you seer! Flee to the land of Judah. There eat bread, and there prophesy. 13 But never again prophesy at Bethel, for it is the king's sanctuary, and it is the royal residence." What Amaziah did with Amos who spoke as directed by God remains common to this day. People are fine with the concept of people having faith in God and His Word, but they don't want to hear it. They want those abhorrent views as far away as possible! Amaziah questioned the authority of Amos as a prophet, and by speaking against the messenger he hoped the message could be silenced. The ones who will not be silent will be censured, blocked, or discredited. Search algorithms are changed to make Christian content harder to find online. To Christians who are bold to speak truth in love the world says, "Go away!"
Amos didn't flee, and he didn't stop speaking as directed by God either. This boldness in the face of opposition marks those who are called by Jesus Christ to follow Him. Our motive for speaking or writing is not to make a name for ourselves as prophets or ministers but obedience to God who created mouths, ears, and godly counsel. Proverbs 25:12 says, "Like an earring of gold and an ornament of fine gold is a wise rebuker to an obedient ear." As earrings are designed to be worn on ears, so a wise rebuker and obedient ear go together. Amos was such a man who spoke in obedience to God concerning the state of the nation Israel, but sadly Amaziah nor the king had an obedient ear. They refused Amos and his message, but this did not deter the man who feared God. Let us be as Amos, humble messengers of the most High who fear God and continue to speak truth in love.
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