SCRIPTURE
"Then Amos answered and said to Amaziah, 'I was no prophet, nor a prophet's son, but I was a herdsman and a dresser of sycamore figs. But the Lord took me from following the flock, and the Lord said to me, 'Go prophesy to my people Israel.'" (Amos 7:14-15)
OBSERVATION
Amos prophesied that the king of Israel, Jeroboam, would die and Israel would go into exile. Amaziah, Jeroboam's priest, heard this prophesy, told Jeroboam and came back to Amos basically saying that the king didn't want to hear it and he should flee the country. Amos' response indicated that he was just relaying God's message. In fact, he was a shepherd, minding his own business when God took him from his flock and gave him a new career path. He was just obedient to God's call in his life, professing the message in his new profession.
God may take us from where we are, perhaps more so in the midst of where we are, and redirect our lives to serve him. It may not be popular or well received but the important thing is to be obedient to him in the midst of whatever profession we find ourselves. Our careers make us a living but our calling makes a life.
APPLICATION
Whatever profession I find myself in I am to be obedient to God's call on my life. It is more important to serve him by faithfully proclaiming his word than to please people. This is no excuse for harshness, it must be done with gentleness and respect. However, when God calls to go from flocks and figs to be obedient to his direction, like Amos I need to obey.
PRAYER
Lord, give me the boldness of Amos to follow you wherever you lead.
