(June 29, 2023) Brian Bell continues sharing his mediation in Amos… 

What lessons we can learn from the prophet Amos!

In this article I turn our attention to Amos 7:10-17. As I read these verses I see three ‘lessons’ from which we may profit.

1) The challenge Amos faced
In verse 10 we find the challenge to Amos comes from Amaziah who is identified as the priest of Bethel. At this time in Israel’s divided history Bethel in the northern kingdom was a ‘false’ centre of worship, as distinct from Jerusalem which was situated in the southern kingdom of Judah.

 Amaziah brought false accusations against Amos, including –

• Plotting against king Jeroboam, then ruler of the northern kingdom
• Inciting rebellion
• Speaking for personal or financial gain

It is never easy to face accusations or allegations against us and it can be particularly difficult when they come from people who like Amaziah claim to have a ‘spiritual standing.’

These false even deceptive accusations (which may have sounded very plausible) were designed to discredit and possibly discourage Amos.

We know from scripture that such a practice is not new! For example, many years previously, Joseph had faced false accusations which led to his ill treatment by his brothers and later allegations from a devious woman which landed Joseph in jail.

In New Testament scripture the Lord Jesus was subject to false accusations which led Him to the cross.

Dear reader… if you’re a person who has or is presently in a similar situation to Amos, take encouragement from –

2) The response Amos gave
As I read the words of Amos they speak about humility in respect of his position. In verse 14 (NASB) we are told Amos said, ‘I am not a prophet, nor am I the son of a prophet.’ In other words, he is not speaking as a paid ‘professional’ nor is he following in the footsteps of his father, as was the case for those who came from a priestly line.

Amos refers to his humble background as a shepherd and a gatherer of figs. However, the most telling fact is that he says in verse 15 ‘… the Lord called me away from my flock…’ Amos places his reliance solely on the ‘call’ of God on his life and he is not distracted by the false accusations made against him.

If you have been, or ever find yourself in a situation facing a similar situation to Amos, the best source of confidence for you is to know that you too have a ‘call’ of God on your life. This is not a matter of personal arrogance or exercising a false spiritual superiority over other believers, it means resting and trusting that the Lord will fulfil his purpose for you despite the distractions of accusation.

For example, when Nehemiah found himself being opposed by others who he realised were out to harm, accuse and discredit him, Nehemiah was not distracted… he exercised discernment. And it is recorded in Nehemiah 6:3 that this great leader recognised he was ‘doing a great work.’

I say respectfully that the great work God has put you in may not seem as grand as rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem or speaking like Amos.

It may be quite inconspicuous, it may be quite responsible, it may be in a role of servant leadership, however, if you, like Nehemiah or Amos recognise it as the call of God, then don’t be distracted, just keep trusting the Lord and He will make a way!

Let’s think also about –

3) The message Amos brought
Being God’s messenger is not an easy option, especially if the message may seem to be very stern.

In verse 11 Amos is quoted by Amaziah as saying Jeroboam will die by the sword and that Israel will surely be led away captive.

The words Amos also brought in verse 17 do not really make for pleasant reading. The message related specifically to Amaziah and his family members although it seems to me that it was not a ‘personal punishment’ being inflicted upon them, but that it was what their future held as the Lord’s warning of judgement is fulfilled.

Yet even in judgment, God always remembers mercy and as I shared in last month’s article, in chapter 5:4 and 6, the Lord made opportunity for restoration through repentance.

It is still the same today. Scripture clearly teaches God will judge and punish sin. On Calvary, Jesus bore the penalty and punishment for our sin and by an exercise of personal faith in Him we are forgiven, cleansed and restored.

For those who choose not to seek God’s mercy and avail of His grace, then one day they will stand before Him as their judge.

A thoughtful, thankful prayer…
Dear Lord, thank you for the faithfulness and truth of your word. Thank you, Lord, that you do not want anyone to perish but that everyone would come to repentance.

Thank you that it was while we yet sinners that Christ died for us. As verse three of Irish composer Cecil Frances Alexander‘s famous 1848 hymn There is a Green Hill Far Away says…
‘He died that we might be forgiven
He died to make us good,
That we might go at last to heaven
Saved by His precious blood.’

Thank you, Lord, that we are still living in days when people can still be drawn by the Holy Spirit into an experience of saving faith!

• We pray for every effort being used to reach out to the harvest fields.
• May the good seed of your word, Lord, find good soil in which to flourish.
• Before you call an end to time as we know it, may people not ignore or reject the message of salvation.

We ask our prayer in the name and for the honour of the Lord Jesus.

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Brian Bell is a diaconate member, Christ Church (Congregational) Abbots Cross, Northern Ireland, and a volunteer with Disabled Christians Fellowship Ireland. Brian describes himself as ‘grateful for the privilege and opportunity given me to serve my Lord.’
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