Scripture
Amos replied, “I was neither a prophet nor a prophet's son, but I was a shepherd and I also took care of sycamore-fig trees.”

Observation
The Lord shows Amos a plumb line which He tells Amos is to declare punishment on Israel and its king, Jeroboam.

The priest Amaziah tells Jeroboam that Amos is prophesying against Jeroboam and the nation. He tells Amos to go back to Judah and prophesy there.

Amos replies that prophesying wasn't his idea nor his family's. The Lord called him away from his sheep to speak against Israel.

Application
God calls all sorts of people to minister in His name. You don't have to have an ambition to serve Him or come from a long line of pastors. All it takes is a desire to be faithful to God, to go wherever He sends.

Don't expect it to be easy or to make you popular. The true servant of God will gain enemies because s/he is always calling people to turn away from sin and to come to the Lord.

Today, as in Amos's day, this is an unpopular message.

Prayer
Father what are you calling me to do? Where are you sending me? Please help me to hear your directions and to set aside my own desires for the sake of your Kingdom. Amen.