Courage to Obey God

“Amos answered, and said to Amaziah: ‘I was no prophet, nor was I a son of a prophet, but I was a sheepbreeder … Now therefore, hear the word of the LORD.’” – Amos 7:14-16

Amaziah was offended. As a priest, he was expected to have special spiritual insights. Amaziah was far from God and more interested in his own opinions than in serving Him.

After listening to the prophecies of Amos, Amaziah concluded that this prophet was wrong and that Amos’ words were inappropriate. Amaziah felt that Amos should focus on his homeland of Judah, not on Israel, so he told Amos to stop delivering his prophecies.

Amos should not have been surprised by these accusations. By human standards, he seemed like an unlikely person to deliver prophecies. As he admitted, he was simply a sheep breeder, a man who didn’t seem qualified or trained to be a prophet.

But there was one difference: God had called him, and he was delivering the messages He had given him. Amaziah did not want to hear this answer, but in the sight of God, this was the only perspective that mattered.

We might find parallels in our own lives. If God calls us, we may be criticized. Others may question our background or qualifications. They may reject our message. But we have only one recourse: We must obey God and do what He calls us to do.

God looks for people like Amos who will obey Him and not worry about how others react. Ask God for the courage and faith to follow Him, regardless of what others say.

Reflection Question: How worried are you about what others think instead of what God thinks?