SUMMARY: Get out!
OVERVIEW: Amaziah, the priest, orders Amos to “get out” of Judah and return to Israel. Despite the adversity, Amos boldly speaks on God’s behalf.
BIG IDEA: Following God doesn’t lead to winning popularity contests.
KEY VERSE: Amos 7:14–15 (Amos to Amaziah the priest)
But Amos replied, “I’m not a professional prophet, and I was never trained to be one. I’m just a shepherd, and I take care of sycamore-fig trees. But the Lord called me away from my flock and told me, ‘Go and prophesy to my people in Israel.’”
IF GOD WROTE YOU A LETTER
I am calling you and others to follow me. Following me may require shifts in how you think or live or both. Trust me and obey. In doing so, you will discover the blessing of obedience. And as you disciple others—as you teach others to listen and obey and equip them to do the same for others—you may find some who are reluctant. It is not your job to change them or make them act a certain way. That is my job. Your job is to share my word with them.
Obeying me in this way will not make you popular with some. But if you follow me and share my words in a way that honors me and communicates my love, any pushback you receive is their agitation with me. You may bear the brunt of their anger, but continue to love them, and pray for them, and be available to help them obey me. Faithfully follow me and experience life as I intended.
NEXT STEP
Be faithful to God and obey his instructions, regardless of how others receive them. Take time to be still before God and ask for his direction for your life and your day. Pause now—ideally for five minutes—and listen. Sit silently in God’s presence.
LYRIC VIDEO