[240 words]
Most of us are pretty good at making excuses and rationalizing as to why we are not more vocal in sharing the truth of the Gospel of Jesus with others.
“I don’t know enough!” “I wasn’t trained for this!” “That is someone else’s job!”
The list goes on but you get the idea.
The prophet Amos had just that type of opportunity as well.
In Amos 7:10-17, the Holy Record tells us about a time false teachers were seeking to silence the truth of God’s message. Amaziah was a priest in Bethel and stood against Amos and his mission. He demanded that Amos “go home” and cease preaching his message in Israel. The threat was that the king himself would get involved!
Amos did not back down.
Amos did not make excuses.
He admitted that he wasn’t a prophet—that he had not trained for or even expected to be put in this position. He was merely a shepherd who also raised sycamore figs. He had plenty of excuses at his disposal.
But Amos trusted God.
This shepherd became a difference-making prophet of God because he stood with the Lord in spite of the threats and demands.
Like Amos, you and I can be difference-makers! Let us stand for and share the truth of the Gospel! It does not matter where we are from, listening to and following the Lord is the duty of us all.
Bart Warren
South Green Street church of Christ
Glasgow, KY