What can we learn from Amos's response to being told to "flee"? The Moment Amos Is Told to “Flee” “Then Amaziah said to Amos, ‘Go, you seer! Flee to the land of Judah. There eat your bread, and there you may prophesy. But do not prophesy any more at Bethel…’ ” (Amos 7:12-13) Amos’ Unflinching Reply “But Amos answered Amaziah, ‘I was neither a prophet nor the son of a prophet; rather, I was a herdsman and a tender of sycamore-fig trees. But the LORD took me from following the flock and said to me, “Go, prophesy to My people Israel.” ’ ” (Amos 7:14-15) Key Lessons from Amos’ Response • God’s commission outranks human commands – Acts 5:29: “We must obey God rather than men.” – Amos refuses to relocate his ministry simply to keep powerful people comfortable. • Courage is rooted in divine calling, not personal pedigree – Amos stresses humble beginnings to showcase that his authority comes solely from the LORD (1 Corinthians 1:26-29). – Confidence flows from knowing Who sent him, not from social status. • Faithfulness means staying put when God says “stay” – Jeremiah 1:17: “But you, dress yourself for work; arise and speak… Do not be terrified by them.” – Amos models steadfastness even when threatened, showing that place and timing belong to God. • The messenger’s job is proclamation, not popularity – 2 Timothy 4:2: “Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season.” – Amos keeps speaking truth at Bethel despite Amaziah’s demand for silence. • Personal sacrifice is assumed in prophetic obedience – Luke 9:23: “If anyone would come after Me, he must deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow Me.” – Amos risks livelihood and safety, illustrating that God’s message is worth more than comfort. Practical Take-Aways for Today • Measure directives from people against God’s Word; obey Scripture first. • Don’t let background or lack of credentials silence what God has called you to say. • Expect resistance when truth confronts entrenched sin, and choose fidelity over flight. • Remember: obedience may cost, but divine approval outweighs human applause (Galatians 1:10). |
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