Readings for today: Amos 6-9
Many years ago, I received a call from a colleague. She was upset. “The people here aren’t asking my permission. They aren’t consulting me. They are making plans on their own.” “Isn’t it great?” I replied. She was not amused. In her mind, the people of her church weren’t qualified to make such decisions. They hadn’t been to seminary. They hadn’t gotten ordained. They couldn’t be trusted to do the work of God. Needless to say, she didn’t last very long and the conflict she created had a lasting negative impact. I can’t tell you the number of pastors I’ve spoken to you over the years who have this same mindset. They may not be as obvious about it but it’s still there. “I’m a professional.” “I’m the theological expert.” “How dare God’s people respond to God’s call in their lives without my permission!”
We see the same dynamic on display in the interaction between Amaziah and Amos. Amaziah is the court prophet. The professional. The educated. The elite. Amos is a herdsman. A farmer. A shepherd. “Amos replied to Amaziah, “I was not a prophet by profession. No, I was a herdsman who also took care of sycamore fig trees. Then the Lord took me from tending flocks and gave me this commission, ‘Go! Prophesy to my people Israel!’” (Amos 7:14-15 NET) Amos wasn’t trained. He was not an expert in the law. He was not raised to be a priest or prophet. And yet, God called him. God used him to deliver God’s message to Israel.
Over the course of my life, I find God often uses the most unlikely of people to deliver His message. To bring about His will. I myself am a great example. If you were to ask any of my friends from high school or my family as I grew up, they would tell you no one could have predicted how my life has turned out. Serving God as a pastor was the furthest thing from my mind and my life reflected it. I have never forgotten how far God has brought me and, as a result, I have spent my entire career as a pastor seeking to empower God’s people so they might serve His purposes. I love watching God work in them and through them. I am often in awe of the ways God speaks to them and through them. So many of the best ideas I’ve had in ministry have come from the people I’ve served. No matter who you are or where you come from or your life experience, God can and will use you if you open yourself to Him.
Readings for tomorrow: Hosea 1-5