Passage: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Amos+7.1-17

Scripture

Then the Lord said, “Look, I am setting a plumb line among my people Israel; I will spare them no longer.”

Observation

The Lord gives Amos two visions of coming punishment for Israel. After each one, Amos intercedes for Israel, and the Lord relents. After a third vision, this time of a plumb line, it is clear that the Lord is determined to judge Israel.

The priest at the temple at Bethel warns King Jeroboam that Amos is propheying destruction. He then demands that Amos goes to Judah to prophesy. Amos replies that he is not really a prophet but a shepherd. The Lord has called him to speak the message.

Application

When God calls a person, it is not always straight forward or easy. Most people of God face challenges to their authority or their calling, particularly when the message they bring is unpopular.

People may demand that we stop or go somewhere else. They may even enlist the governmental authorities to stop our ministry.

When this happens we must find courage in Christ to keep going and to not abandon the call He has given.

With Martin Luther we must say, “Here I stand. I can do no other.”

Prayer

Lord, please help me to see that my worth is not dependent on whether people heed me, but only on my faithfulness to you. Amen.