Divine Calling: The Empowerment of the Ordinary
"¶ 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:" - Amos 7:14
In Amos 7:14, we read a stirring declaration from a humble man named Amos: "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." This declaration not only reveals the character of Amos but also lays down a crucial truth about God’s calling and empowerment.
Amos was not a prophet by profession nor was he born into a prophetic lineage. He was a herdsman and a gatherer of sycamore fruit—a vocation far removed from the spiritual elite of his time. This simple background highlights a significant theme throughout Scripture: God often chooses the ordinary and overlooked individuals to accomplish His extraordinary purposes.
In the context of his time, Israel was steeped in corruption, idolatry, and social injustice. The spiritual leaders had failed in their responsibilities, leading the people away from God. Here enters Amos, a lowly shepherd, whose role in society commanded little respect or attention. Yet, he was chosen by God to be the mouthpiece who would declare His judgment.
Amos' story challenges our preconceived notions of calling and leadership within the church. We often associate greatness with platform, prestige, and influence. We frequently excuse ourselves from being used by God because we feel inadequate, unqualified, or disconnected from traditional spiritual roles. However, the choice of Amos illustrates God's perspective: He sees potential in every heart, regardless of social status or background. God specializes in cultivating greatness from the most unexpected vessels.
In reflecting on the implications of Amos' response, we can apply several key insights to our lives:
1. **Embracing Our Identity**: Amos openly identifies his humble origins. He does not seek to elevate himself or pretend to be something he is not. In our pursuit of purpose, we must honor our unique identities and backgrounds. God wants to use who we are—our experiences and skills are vital in His economy.
2. **Responding to God’s Call**: While Amos did not see himself as a traditional prophet, he did not resist God’s call. When God calls, it may not align with our self-image or expectations, but it is vital to respond. God often breaks out of our established boxes. Are we open to stepping into roles that challenge our comfort zones?
3. **Living Out Our Faith in the Ordinary**: Amos did not abandon his duties as a herdsman and a gatherer of sycamore fruit. He faithfully performed his daily tasks, even as he became a prophet. Oftentimes, God desires to speak through our daily lives—our workplaces, families, and communities. We should remember that our ordinary lives have potential for extraordinary impact.
4. **Trusting God’s Empowerment**: It is worth noting that the effectiveness of Amos' ministry does not stem from his skills or background but from God's empowerment. Whether we feel equipped or not, it is God’s Spirit that equips and enables us to fulfill His purposes. Philippians 4:13 reminds us, "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."
In conclusion, Amos’ testimony is a powerful reminder that God calls and empowers ordinary people to accomplish His perfect will. It urges us to look at our lives and recognize the potential God sees in us. He uses shepherds, gatherers, and even ordinary janitors for His will. We must trust in God’s ability to work through us, regardless of our backgrounds or experiences. May we have the courage to follow wherever He leads and allow His Spirit to shine through our ordinary lives.
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Amos 7:14 - "¶ 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:"
"¶ 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:" - Amos 7:14
Amos 7:11 - "For thus Amos saith, Jeroboam shall die by the sword, and Israel shall surely be led away captive out of their own land."
Amos 7:12 - "Also Amaziah said unto Amos, O thou seer, go, flee thee away into the land of Judah, and there eat bread, and prophesy there:"
Amos 7:3 - "The LORD repented for this: It shall not be, saith the LORD."
Amos 7:6 - "The LORD repented for this: This also shall not be, saith the Lord GOD."
Amos 7:10 - "¶ Then Amaziah the priest of Beth-el sent to Jeroboam king of Israel, saying, Amos hath conspired against thee in the midst of the house of Israel: the land is not able to bear all his words."
Amos 7:7 - "¶ Thus he shewed me: and, behold, the Lord stood upon a wall made by a plumbline, with a plumbline in his hand."
Amos 5:7 - "Ye who turn judgment to wormwood, and leave off righteousness in the earth,"
Amos 7:8 - "And the LORD said unto me, Amos, what seest thou? And I said, A plumbline. Then said the Lord, Behold, I will set a plumbline in the midst of my people Israel: I will not again pass by them any more:"
Amos 7:13 - "But prophesy not again any more at Beth-el: for it is the king's chapel, and it is the king's court."
Amos 1:7 - "But I will send a fire on the wall of Gaza, which shall devour the palaces thereof:"
Amos 8:7 - "The LORD hath sworn by the excellency of Jacob, Surely I will never forget any of their works."
"The LORD repented for this: It shall not be, saith the LORD." - Amos 7:3
Amos 5:14 - "Seek good, and not evil, that ye may live: and so the LORD, the God of hosts, shall be with you, as ye have spoken."
Amos 1:14 - "But I will kindle a fire in the wall of Rabbah, and it shall devour the palaces thereof, with shouting in the day of battle, with a tempest in the day of the whirlwind:"
Amos 3:7 - "Surely the Lord GOD will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets."
Amos 2:14 - "Therefore the flight shall perish from the swift, and the strong shall not strengthen his force, neither shall the mighty deliver himself:"
Amos 6:7 - "¶ Therefore now shall they go captive with the first that go captive, and the banquet of them that stretched themselves shall be removed."
"For thus Amos saith, Jeroboam shall die by the sword, and Israel shall surely be led away captive out of their own land." - Amos 7:11
Amos 7:5 - "Then said I, O Lord GOD, cease, I beseech thee: by whom shall Jacob arise? for he is small."
Amos 7:15 - "And the LORD took me as I followed the flock, and the LORD said unto me, Go, prophesy unto my people Israel."
"The LORD repented for this: This also shall not be, saith the Lord GOD." - Amos 7:6
Amos 7:9 - "And the high places of Isaac shall be desolate, and the sanctuaries of Israel shall be laid waste; and I will rise against the house of Jeroboam with the sword."
"Also Amaziah said unto Amos, O thou seer, go, flee thee away into the land of Judah, and there eat bread, and prophesy there:" - Amos 7:12
Amos 7:16 - "¶ Now therefore hear thou the word of the LORD: Thou sayest, Prophesy not against Israel, and drop not thy word against the house of Isaac."
Amos 8:14 - "They that swear by the sin of Samaria, and say, Thy god, O Dan, liveth; and, The manner of Beer-sheba liveth; even they shall fall, and never rise up again."
Amos 3:14 - "That in the day that I shall visit the transgressions of Israel upon him I will also visit the altars of Beth-el: and the horns of the altar shall be cut off, and fall to the ground."
Amos 7:4 - "¶ Thus hath the Lord GOD shewed unto me: and, behold, the Lord GOD called to contend by fire, and it devoured the great deep, and did eat up a part."
"Ye who turn judgment to wormwood, and leave off righteousness in the earth," - Amos 5:7