WHERE HAS GOD SENT YOU?
When Amaziah, the priest at Bethel, heard the prophetic words of judgment that Amos pronounced against King Jeroboam and the Northern kingdom of Israel, he told him to flee to Judah to be a prophet and never again prophesy in Bethel. He also warned King Jeroboam of Amos’ words. But Amos replied that he was not a professional prophet that could just preach anywhere. No. God had interrupted his career as a “sheepbreeder and tender of sycamore fruit” (from the “sycamore fig tree”) and given him a word of warning for Israel and its king.
I feel a kindred spirit with Amos. When I was a child, my grandmother used to tell me, “Gary, I think you’re going to be a preacher when you grow up.” And I’d answer, “No Granny, I’m going to be a chicken farmer like Papaw.” Then, when I was a man, I worked in the corporate world for 12 years, running drugstores. But Granny was right. God did call me to preach. So I left my career, went to seminary and planted a church in Wilson, NC. I didn’t choose this. God did. I have simply tried to obey.
That’s what Amos was saying to that false priest, Amaziah, who saw ministry as a career choice, not a calling of God. Amos was basically saying, “Unlike you, Amaziah, I didn’t choose to be a prophet, I was called of God. Therefore, I must preach to where He has sent me!”
Like Zacchaeus, whom the Lord Jesus called down from the sycamore tree, so God had called Amos down from his figs and flocks, and sent him to prophesy against Israel.
Where has God sent you?
PRAYER: Dear Father, we thank You that You have first called us to Yourself through Your Son, Christ Jesus. Yet, You have also sent us, just as You sent Him. Fill us afresh with Your Spirit and send us out with Your gospel of grace. In Jesus’ name, amen.