Amos: Seek The Lord and LiveUzorak

It’s a highly personal conflict between Amos and Amaziah. God’s man is placed under enormous pressure. 

He is subjected to misrepresentation (v. 11), as Amaziah exaggerates the words that Amos had spoken, telling the king that ‘Amos is raising a conspiracy against you’ (v. 10). 

He is exposed to temptation (v. 12). The priest tells Amos that he would have a far easier life back in the nation of Judah. 

He is treated to intimidation (v. 13). In essence Amaziah is declaring, ‘Do you know where you are, Amos? This is the king’s sanctuary and the temple of the Lord. Who are you to stand up to us in this place?!’ 

Yet Amos’ response is a great encouragement to us. In verse 14 he effectively says, ‘I don’t get paid for this, you know. This is not how I earn my living. I have a perfectly well-paid job back in Judah, but I’m using my holiday allowance to come here and warn you. God told me to come and preach here and so I have. Oh and by the way, here’s God’s Word to you personally in verse 17.’ 

We may find this last verse a shock, but it’s a reminder that those who claim to speak for the Lord are held to a higher standard: ‘Not many of you should become teachers … because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly’ (Jas. 3:1). 

Amos is a great model for many of us. The Lord does not always call people from their present line of work in order that they might deliver God’s warning of judgment, but God does call all of us, shepherds and fig cultivators and school teachers and taxi drivers and decorators and lawyers, to tell people about Jesus where he has placed us.

Reflection

Ask the Lord to give you courage to keep speaking of Jesus, even when you are misrepresented, tempted for a quiet life and intimidated by influential figures.