Called by God, 22

 ~ The Call of Amos ~

 

Introduction ~ Posts 1 – 21 (beginning on April 16, 2022) of this series looked at aspects of the Christian calling.  Specifically, we viewed the calling of God from three aspects.  First there is the Universal Call to all mankind for salvation.  Second there is the call that all Christians receive—the Obedience Call.  Finally, there is a call which all Christians receive, but sadly few accept, the Career Call. 

 

Beginning in post 22 (this post) we look at Biblical examples of God calling an individual. 

 

Scripture ~ “Surely the Lord God does nothing, unless He reveals His secret to His servants the prophets.  A lion has roared!  Who will not fear?  The Lord God has spoken!  Who can but prophesy?” (Amos 3:7-8).  

 

“Then Amaziah said to Amos: ‘Go, you seer!  Flee to the land of Judah.  There eat bread, and there prophesy.  But never again prophesy at Bethel, for it is the king's sanctuary, and it is the royal residence. 

 

“Then Amos answered, and said to Amaziah: ‘I was no prophet, nor was I a son of a prophet, but I was a sheep breeder 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.”  Now therefore, hear the word of the Lord: You say, “Do not prophesy against Israel, and do not spout against the house of Isaac”’ (Amos 7:12-16). 

 

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW blog.

 

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Keys to Effective Living

~ Life Lessons from Amos ~

Amos was a prophet of God’s justice and righteousness and his name means “bearer” or “born of God.” While his prophecy contains the word righteousness only three times, the theme of his book can be summarized as the righteousness of God. He emphasizes that one cannot have true religion without ethics (i.e., 7:10-17) because righteousness expresses itself in everyday honesty and fair dealings.

One outline of the book of Amos is:

Introduction (1:1-2)

A series of oracles (1:3-2:16) 

A series of sermons (3:1-6:14)

A series of visions (7:1-9:10)

Conclusion (9:11-15)

Many believe the key word in the book of Amos is “threatened” and the key verse is 5:24, “But let justice run down like water, and righteousness like a mighty stream.” 

What can we learn in 2012 from the life of the prophet Amos? Here are a few ideas:

First, you can begin as a non-professional in whatever you have to do for God. 

Second, Amos gave us an example of someone who possessed a broad knowledge of life and the people living around him.

Third, make sure you’re working in a place of significance. In other words find out where God is working and join Him there.   

Fourth, justice is of paramount concern to God and it should be for His children.

Fifth, Amos spoke the truth even though it was not an easy message (i.e., Amos 5). 

Finally, Amos acted upon his convictions and called upon the people of his day to repent and to change their ways.

suggestion:  Take time today to read and meditate on the book of Amos.

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW