Chosen by God
God can choose anyone to deliver His word,
No matter their background, no matter what’s heard.
Obedience and willingness, He values the most,
Not qualifications, nor who boasts.
Stand firm in faith, speak the truth with might,
Even when it’s unpopular, even in the night.
As leaders, be open to His correction,
Guided by His truth, in every direction.
Receptive to His voice, willing to repent,
Not silencing the challenge, but in humility bent.
Trust in God’s guidance, faithful in our call,
Approach our journey with humility, giving our all.
Not seeking personal gain, nor recognition’s light,
But carrying out His mission, with all our might.
In His will, we find our true delight,
Faithfully serving, in His holy sight.
REFLECTION:
The Lord took me from following the flock, and said to me, 'Go, prophesy to my people Israel.'” (Amos 7:15)
God can choose anyone to deliver His message, regardless of their background or social status. He values obedience and willingness over qualifications.
We should stand firm in our faith and in speaking the truth, even when it is unpopular or met with resistance. As leaders, we should be open to God’s correction and guidance, receptive to God’s truth, and willing to repent when necessary rather than silencing voices that challenge the status quo.
Let us trust in God’s guidance, remain faithful in our calling, and approach our spiritual journey with humility and openness to His will not seeking personal gain or recognition but faithfully carry out His mission.
Prayer for Obedience and Faithfulness
Heavenly Father,
We come before You with humble hearts, acknowledging that You can choose anyone to deliver Your message, regardless of their background or social status. We thank You for valuing obedience and willingness over qualifications.
Lord, grant us the strength to stand firm in our faith and to speak the truth, even when it is unpopular or met with resistance. As leaders, help us to be open to Your correction and guidance, always receptive to Your truth. Give us the courage to repent when necessary, rather than silencing voices that challenge the status quo.
We trust in Your guidance, O Lord, and seek to remain faithful in our calling. Help us to approach our spiritual journey with humility and openness to Your will. May we not seek personal gain or recognition, but faithfully carry out Your mission.
In Jesus’ name, we pray.
Amen.
Pericope:
III: Symbolic Visions: Threats and Promises
AMOS AND AMAZIAH
Amos 7:10-17
First Reading | Amos 7:12-15
12 Amaziah, priest of Bethel, said to Amos, “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.'”
Background:
In Amos 7:12-15, we see a confrontation between the prophet Amos and Amaziah, the priest of Bethel. Here’s a bit of background to help you understand the context:
Amos’s Calling and Message: Amos was a shepherd and a grower of sycamore figs from Tekoa, a small town south of Jerusalem. He did not come from a prophetic lineage but was called by God to deliver His message to the northern kingdom of Israel. Amaziah, the priest of Bethel, opposed Amos’s prophecies, which were critical of Israel’s leadership and practices.
Key Points in Amos 7:12-15:
Amaziah’s Opposition: Amaziah tells Amos to leave Bethel and go back to Judah to prophesy there, accusing him of conspiring against the king and the nation.
Amos’s Response: Amos responds by clarifying that he is not a professional prophet but was called by God while tending his flock. He emphasizes that his message is not his own but God’s.
This passage highlights the tension between God’s true prophets and the established religious authorities who often resisted messages of judgment and repentance. Amos’s humble background and divine calling underscore the idea that God can use anyone to fulfill His purposes, regardless of their social status or profession.
Learning Lessons:
Amos 7:12-15 offers several valuable lessons that can be applied to our lives today:
God’s Sovereignty in Choosing His Messengers: Amos was not a professional prophet but a shepherd and a grower of sycamore figs. His calling by God emphasizes that God can choose anyone to deliver His message, regardless of their background or social status. This reminds us that God values obedience and willingness over qualifications.
Courage to Speak God’s Truth: Despite opposition from Amaziah, the priest of Bethel, Amos remained steadfast in delivering God’s message. This teaches us the importance of standing firm in our faith and speaking the truth, even when it is unpopular or met with resistance.
Humility and Obedience: Amos’s humble response to Amaziah highlights his obedience to God’s calling. He did not seek personal gain or recognition but faithfully carried out his mission. This encourages us to serve God with humility and a sincere heart.
The Role of Prophets and Leaders: The conflict between Amos and Amaziah illustrates the tension that can arise between true prophets and established religious authorities. It serves as a reminder that leaders should be open to God’s correction and guidance, rather than silencing voices that challenge the status quo.
Self-Examination and Repentance: Amaziah’s attempt to silence Amos reflects self-interest and resistance to God’s message. This challenges us to examine our own lives and institutions, ensuring that we are receptive to God’s truth and willing to repent when necessary.
These lessons encourage us to trust in God’s guidance, remain faithful in our calling, and approach our spiritual journey with humility and openness to His will.
Reflection Source:
Conversation with Copilot
