Only a sheepbreeder

Only a sheepbreeder

Scripture:

Thus the Lord GOD showed me: Behold, He formed locust swarms at the beginning of the late crop; indeed it was the late crop after the king’s mowings. And so it was, when they had finished eating the grass of the land, that I said: “ O Lord GOD, forgive, I pray! Oh, that Jacob may stand, For he is small!” So the LORD relented concerning this. “ It shall not be,” said the LORD. Amos 7:1-3

Then Amos answered, and said to Amaziah: “ I was no prophet, Nor was I a son of a prophet, But I was a sheepbreeder And a tender of sycamore fruit. Then the LORD took me as I followed the flock, And the LORD said to me, ‘ Go, prophesy to My people Israel.’ Amos 7:14-15

Observation: In Amos 7, the Lord shows Amos three visions. The first is a vision of locust devouring the late crop after the king’s share had been harvested. The second, a vision of God calling for judgment by fire, and the third, the Lord setting a plumb line among Israel. In the first two visions, Amos prayed and the Lord relented from His judgment. 

In this first passage, we learn three things. Firstly, God shows His plans to His people. Secondly, the role of an intercessor is crucial to the fate of a people or a nation. Thirdly, the Lord responds to prayer.

In the second passage, Amos is confronted by Amaziah who rudely asks him to leave because of his unwelcoming prophecies. Amos replies by acknowledging he has no qualifications, not having the experience of a prophet or being the son of a prophet. However, it is the Lord Himself who has called him from his occupation as a humble shepherd and planter to be His messenger.

The lesson for us is that any one of us can be used by God. Regardless of occupation or gender or race, God can use anyone at all. God always looks at the heart and not at the outward appearance.

Application: Praise God that He shows His plans to His people. Seek to be an intercessor, to stand in the gap on behalf of our family, our people, our nation. Believe that our prayers can make a difference and move the hand of God. Know that God can call anyone at all to serve Him. It is purely whether we have willing hearts.

Prayer: Praise You, Father in Heaven for You reveal Your great plans to Your people. Teach me to be an intercessor, O Lord, to stand in the gap and pray before You for my family, my people, my nation. Praise You, O Lord, for You are a God who hears our prayers. You look not at how great or perfect we are, but on how willing and teachable our hearts are. Let me always have a humble and teachable heart that You may guide me and show me many things. Praise You O Lord. May Your great name be praised forever. In Jesus name, Amen.