Divine Calling
In fields of grace, where shadows fall,
God’s voice can reach us, one and all.
No rank or title, high or low,
Can bar the path where we must go.
A prophet’s call, not born of pride,
But from the Lord, who will provide.
Above the noise of worldly din,
We seek His purpose deep within.
The Spirit’s strength, our guiding light,
To speak the truth, to stand and fight.
When voices clash and tempests roar,
We hold our ground, our faith restore.
In trials faced, we stand steadfast,
With faith in Him, our anchor cast.
Reject not His divine decree,
But walk in humble unity.
For every soul, a plan divine,
In God’s great work, our lives entwine.
With hearts aligned to His great will,
We find our place, our purpose still.
REFLECTION:
Amos answered Amaziah, “I was no prophet, nor have I belonged to a company of prophets; I was a shepherd and a dresser of sycamores. The Lord took me from following the flock, and said to me, 'Go, prophesy to my people Israel.' (Amos 7:14-15)
God can call anyone, regardless of their social status or profession, to fulfill His purposes. Prophetic mission is a direct calling from God, not a personal ambition. We should always prioritize divine guidance and purpose over human authority and societal expectations.
The Holy Spirit will give us the courage and integrity to speak the truth, even when it is unpopular or met with opposition. In the face of adversity and challenges, it is important to maintain steadfastness and faithfulness.
Let us be aware of the dangers of rejecting divine messages and the importance of aligning ourselves with God’s plans in humility and obedience to His calling, no matter our background.
Prayer for Divine Calling and Guidance
Heavenly Father,
We come before You, acknowledging that You can call anyone, regardless of their social status or profession, to fulfill Your divine purposes. We recognize that a prophetic mission is a direct calling from You, not born of personal ambition. Help us to always prioritize Your guidance and purpose over human authority and societal expectations.
Holy Spirit, grant us the courage and integrity to speak the truth, even when it is unpopular or met with opposition. In the face of adversity and challenges, strengthen our resolve to remain steadfast and faithful to Your will.
Lord, make us aware of the dangers of rejecting Your divine messages. Teach us to align ourselves with Your plans in humility and obedience, no matter our background. May we walk in Your light, guided by Your wisdom, and fulfill the calling You have placed upon our lives.
In Jesus’ name, we pray.
Amen.
Pericope:
III: Symbolic Visions: Threats and Promises
AMOS AND AMAZIAH
Amos 7:10-17
First Reading | Amos 7:10-17
10 Amaziah, the priest of Bethel, sent word to Jeroboam, king of Israel: “Amos has conspired against you here within Israel; the country cannot endure all his words. 11 For this is what Amos says: Jeroboam shall die by the sword, and Israel shall surely be exiled from its land.” 12 To Amos, Amaziah said: “Off with you, visionary, flee to the land of Judah! There earn your bread by prophesying, 13 but never again prophesy in Bethel; for it is the king’s sanctuary and a royal temple.” 14 Amos answered Amaziah, “I was no prophet, nor have I belonged to a company of prophets; I was a shepherd and a dresser of sycamores. 15 The Lord took me from following the flock, and said to me, 'Go, prophesy to my people Israel.' 16 Now hear the word of the Lord! You say: prophesy not against Israel, preach not against the house of Isaac. 17 Now thus says the Lord: Your wife shall be made a harlot in the city, and your sons and daughters shall fall by the sword; Your land shall be divided by measuring line, and you yourself shall die in an unclean land; Israel shall be exiled far from its land."
Background:
Amos 7:10-17 describes a significant confrontation between the prophet Amos and Amaziah, the priest of Bethel. This passage is set in the northern kingdom of Israel around 750 BCE. Here’s a brief overview of the context and key points:
Amaziah’s Accusation: Amaziah, an idolatrous priest, accuses Amos of conspiring against King Jeroboam II. He reports to the king that Amos’s prophecies are a threat to the kingdom, suggesting that Amos is predicting Jeroboam’s death and Israel’s exile.
Amos’s Response: Amos defends himself by clarifying that he is not a professional prophet but a herdsman and a grower of sycamore figs. He emphasizes that his prophetic mission is a direct calling from God, not a personal ambition.
Prophecy Against Amaziah: Amos then delivers a harsh prophecy against Amaziah. He foretells that Amaziah’s wife will become a prostitute, his children will die by the sword, his land will be divided, and he himself will die in exile. This prophecy underscores the severe consequences of opposing God’s message.
This passage highlights the tension between true prophetic messages and established religious authorities, as well as the personal cost of delivering God’s word. It also reflects the broader themes of justice and divine judgment that are central to the book of Amos.
Learning Lessons:
Amos 7:10-17 offers several valuable lessons that can be applied to our lives today:
Courage in Speaking the Truth: Amos, despite being confronted by Amaziah, stands firm in delivering God’s message. This teaches us the importance of courage and integrity when speaking the truth, even when it is unpopular or met with opposition.
Divine Calling Over Human Authority: Amos emphasizes that his prophetic mission is a direct calling from God, not a personal ambition. This reminds us to prioritize divine guidance and purpose over human authority and societal expectations.
Consequences of Opposing God’s Message: Amaziah’s fate, as prophesied by Amos, underscores the severe consequences of opposing God’s will. It serves as a warning about the dangers of rejecting divine messages and the importance of aligning with God’s plans.
Humility and Obedience: Amos’s background as a herdsman and a grower of sycamore figs highlights that God can call anyone, regardless of their social status or profession, to fulfill His purposes. This encourages humility and obedience to God’s calling, no matter our background.
Faithfulness in Adversity: Despite the threats and accusations, Amos remains faithful to his mission. This teaches us the value of steadfastness and faithfulness in the face of adversity and challenges.
These lessons from Amos 7:10-17 can inspire us to live with integrity, courage, and faithfulness, trusting in God’s guidance and purpose for our lives.
Reflection Source:
Conversation with Copilot
Published:
July 4, 2024, 6:33 AM
