Rēad to Read …Again
Daily Reading: Amos 6-9
Amos 7:11
For thus Amos saith, Jeroboam shall die by the sword, and Israel shall surely be led away captive out of their own land.
The result of preaching! Paul talked about it. Am I therefore become your enemy, because I tell you the truth? (Galatians 4:16) Many times this is how it is. Paul lived it, Stephen lived it, Peter lived it, Christ lived it, and Amos lived it. His message was a difficult one to hear. Jeroboam was king during the time of Amos’ ministry who prophesied his death. Upon the king’s death, Israel’s prosperity ended, the nation would continue a downward spiral ending up in destruction at the hands of the Assyrians. Amos prophesied it, and it happened.
But Amos paid a price. Amaziah, the priest at Bethel, tried to drive Amos out of the nation, commanding him to flee to Judah. Notice this priest’s words in Amos 7:12-13. Also Amaziah said unto Amos, O thou seer, go, flee thee away into the land of Judah, and there eat bread, and prophesy there: But prophesy not again any more at Beth–el: for it is the king's chapel, and it is the king's court. Then, notice the response from Amos as he gave his testimony as a prophet. Then answered Amos, and said to Amaziah, I was no prophet, neither was I a prophet's son; but I was an herdman, and a gatherer of sycomore fruit: And the LORD took me as I followed the flock, and the LORD said unto me, Go, prophesy unto my people Israel. Amos 7:14-15
Amos stated clearly, God called me, God gave me my message, I will do that which God commands not that which you wish. Or words to that effect. This is the way it is with true God called preachers even unto today. They are called of God, trained under God’s leaders, and given messages from God’s Word. They faithfully and boldly proclaim those messages. In return, well, sometimes they seem like the enemy. Just like the situation between Amos and Amaziah. The difference today is that the preacher is not normally told to leave, sometimes they are, but usually the listener leaves.
Concerning preaching and the hearing of it, the New Testament book of Acts gives a perfect overview of the three responses to preaching. Paul was preaching to Athens, on Mars Hill. He spoke about the resurrection of Christ at the end of his sermon and the three results from those that heard him are recorded. (Acts 17:32-34)
…Some mocked…
…Others said, We will hear thee again of this matter.
Howbeit certain man clave unto him, and believed: …
These are the three responses to Bible based messages. All in all, Amos was right! It all happened and will happen just like the prophet said. By the way, the end of His message to Israel has yet to fully take place, for some of chapters 7, 8, & 9 have not been fulfilled yet, but will be. No doubt. Amos was right, Amaziah was wrong. By the way, your preacher is not your enemy. He is the one called of God to tell you the truth. The response though is all up to you.
Dr. William T. Howe
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