RE Verse reading–Amos 1-2 (day three) “The words of Amos, one of the shepherds of Tekoa–what he saw concerning Israel two years before the earthquake” (vs 1) The Amos story is extraordinary. Not because he is different than we are. Just the opposite. He is the “poster child” of ordinary life. He is a “little bit country”, but learns truth and courage from God that catapults him into kingdom service. As a shepherd, I suspect Amos had some initial hesitation. No seminary training. Perhaps he felt the sting when Amaziah treated him with disrespect and kicked him out of the country (chapter 7) The extraordinary thing? He didn’t give up! He went back to Tekoa and wrote his message down. The first prophet to do so. The door into a new era. Irrepressible! Martin Luther said, “A simple layman armed with scripture is to be believed above a pope or a council without it.” I think Amos would have agreed. Extraordinary!
Thanks for this post. I found it a very encouraging reminder to never give up.
I am thankful for a Heavenly Father who gives Grace for whatever He calls us to. He did so in my life the day He helped me see that because of my relationship to Him I can experience Acceptance even when I am being rejected. I can experience Love even when I am hated. I can experience Approval even when others voice disapproval. What would the Church look like if we all could turn from emotionally needy people to strong in the Lord people who are so “good” inside that they need nothing from others… only an opportunity to serve the Lord by loving and serving them. May it be so.