What Does It Mean To Be A Man Of God?

The affluent people of Israel were enjoying their life of luxury and prosperity. They had become careless, complacent, mistreating poor people, and selling them into servitude. Before long, Israel would be vanquished by Assyria, and the rich would become slaves. Then in walks a God called man from a small country town, prophesying judgment, and preaching repentance. With no unique preparation, schooling, or childhood upbringing, Amos submitted to God's call to go and prophesy unto Israel. Compliance is the trial of a devoted worker of God.

The Prophet Amos:

Amos was a common country man, a sheepherder, and a sycamore tree gardener. He was undoubtedly content with tending to his flock and working in the sycamore orchard. This type of sycamore was of the fig variety, a common food staple in the area (Amos 1:1, 7:14). He originated from working with long haired sheep to the very much prepped goats of the city. He went from a position of agriculture to a position in culture. But God called him to serve anyway. It was not Amos’ ability that God was looking at, it was his availability, it was Amos’ willingness to serve.

I can imagine the high society people looking down their noses at the country preacher, because it can be seen in churches today. It is a shame that some churches will not hear a preacher if he does not have a plethora of letters behind his name, or if he does not come from a specific type of background.

This was during the time of Jeroboam II, king of Israel, and Uzziah, king of Judah when he answered the call from God to deliver a message to the surrounding nations of Judah and to Israel and Judah as well. He was a courageous spiritual statesman, not a priest or politician. In a sense you could say he was a traveling minister.

The Pretending of Amaziah:

Amaziah was the chief priest in Bethel. He was supposed to be representing Israel’s spiritual side. But instead of being concerned about listening to God’s message, he was more concerned for his stately position, the prestige, the authority, and the money. Those were all that Amaziah was worried about, not the people’s spiritual welfare. So soon as this bogus priest had under the pretense of kinship toward Amos, he offered guidance, and implied his goal to utilize his power to make Amos stop prophesying if he did not do it intentionally. Amos offers him a prompt strong response and outshoots the court pontiff with his own bow.

The Prophecy of Amos:

In chapters one and two, he gives announcements for the surrounding nations, each start with “Thus saith the Lord.” He states punishment for the transgressions of Damascus, Gaza, Tyrus, Edom, Ammon, Moab, then to Judah and Israel.

In chapters three through six, he gives the reasons why God would bring the judgments to the children of Israel. Amos grieves for Israel and how God detests Israel’s pride. The three discourses begin with “Hear this word.”

In chapters seven through nine, there are five visions. The motivation behind the visons is to strengthen the truth that the anticipated judgment could not be turned away.

The Person of Amos:

“I was no prophet.” Not initially, or by progression, or by study, nor by any human assignment or arrangement, as many have been.

“Neither was I a prophet's son.” My dad was no prophet, nor was I reared up in the school of the prophets, for example (2 Kings 2:3, 5, 7, 15; 4:38; 6:1). Although you call me a soothsayer, regardless of whether jokingly or seriously, it matters not, however I guarantee you that I am not such by artisanship, or for a work.

“But I was an herdsman.” By rearing, decision, and occupation I was, and I still am a herder and have my interests in or close to Tekoa in Judah, on which I can live. Even though I prophesy without payment or compensation, I required not to do the prophet’s work for my bread.

“And a gatherer of sycamore fruit.” The tree and the fruit are known by one name. Palestine flourished with both; and the fruit, though not large, was sweet and useful for nourishment for man or cattle. Amos had and could still live on this type of work, and he would be content.

Amos reminds Amaziah that he did not prepare to be a prophet and that he is called of God to prophesy. He was a herder in terms of professional career and made his living that way. God sent him to prophesy. If Amaziah does not acknowledge the message, he is actually conflicting with God.

Amos’ answer was straightforward and showed proof that he was a simple man. He was not making prophetic proclamations just to be heard by others. He tells Amaziah that he was there because the Lord put him there. Are we where we are supposed to be? Are we doing what we are supposed to do be doing?