One of the shepherds

One of the shepherds

Scripture:  The words of Amos, one of the shepherds of Tekoa—the vision he saw concerning Israel two years before the earthquake, when Uzziah was king of Judah and Jeroboam son of Jehoash was king of Israel. He said: “The LORD roars from Zion and thunders from Jerusalem; the pastures of the shepherds dry up, and the top of Carmel withers.” Amos 1:1-2

Observation: The book of Amos is a prophecy directed mainly at Israel who turned away from God and followed the ways of the nations surrounding them. However, chapter 1 starts with prophecies of judgment upon the neighboring nations – Damascus, Gaza, Tyre, Edom and Ammon.

In the Scripture today, we saw that God chose a shepherd to be a prophet. In those days, shepherding was not seen as a respectable occupation, but the choice of Amos the shepherd shows that the Lord does not look at the rank or occupation, but rather the heart of a person. It does not matter how young we are or how lowly our occupation may be. What matters is that we are willing to be used by God. If we are willing, God can raise us up to do far more than we could ever imagine.

The name Amos means “burden” or “burden bearer”. In a way, when we are given an assignment by God, it is like a burden which we are compelled to carry out. The prophet Jeremiah likened God’s Word within him to a fire he could not keep but had to speak out. Yet this burden is not a terrible thing when we follow Jesus. As the Lord says “My yoke is easy, and my burden is light”. All of us who follow Jesus carry a burden for the lost, a desire for others who do not know Jesus to come to Him and be saved. Let that burden burst forth in prayer for others, and in a readiness to speak when the time comes to share in the Holy Spirit.

The dating of the prophecy “2 years before the earthquake” and the reference to the reign of Uzziah and Jeroboam places clearly the prophecy of Amos at a distinct point in time. God’s Word is not only a Spiritual Book but a Historical Book with actual events at distinct times involving actual people recorded in history.

The second verse is similar to Joel’s description of the Lord roaring from Zion and thundering from Jerusalem, bringing us imagery of great storms, lightning and thunder.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               The pastures drying up and the withering of Mount Carmel brings us imagery of judgment by fire. The Lord promised Noah never to destroy the earth again by water, but the coming judgment by fire is a certainty.

Application: Recognize that God can use anyone to serve Him, regardless of rank or age or occupation. It is the heart that the Lord looks at and not the outside appearance. Some of us have received a particular calling or burden to serve the Lord. Let the burden cause us to burst forth in prayer, and ask the Holy Spirit for wisdom and the right timing. Often, we who are in Christ will receive a burden to pray for an unsaved family member or friend. Let that burden cause us to pray for him or her, and pray for opportunities to show Christ’s love to them. Remember that though God is loving, He is also just, and He will judge the earth by great fire.

Prayer: Father God, I thank You that You look upon men without favoritism, but choose Your servants according to their hearts and not their outward appearances or occupations. Fan the fire of the calling and burden You have placed in my heart O Lord. Help me call out in prayer to You. In Jesus name, Amen.