Amos 7

Amos 7 "Warnings through Visions"

“Then Amaziah said to Amos: ‘Go, you seer! Flee to the land of Judah. There eat bread, and there prophesy. But never again prophesy at Bethel, for it is the king’s sanctuary, and it is the royal residence.’” (Amos 7:12–13, NKJV)

No one ever said it would be easy. God called Amos into the ministry when he was a farmer in Judah. The LORD sent him to be a prophet to Israel. But his words, even though they were from the LORD, were rejected. In essence, the priest Amaziah told Amos, “Go back to Judah and speak your words. We don’t want to hear them here!”

Have you ever been despised for speaking the truth? Have you been slandered because you stood for righteousness? Have people who should have received you rejected you? Then you are in good company.

Jesus told His disciples that it would be this way. In Matthew 5, He said:

-Blessed are the poor in spirit.

-Blessed are those who mourn.

-Blessed are the meek.

-Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness.

-Blessed are the merciful.

-Blessed are the pure in heart.

-Blessed are the peacemakers.

Now what do you think will happen to the person who does these things?

“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” (Matthew 5:10–12, NKJV)

If you are a true disciple of Christ, then you will be persecuted! But when this happens, rejoice and be exceedingly glad, because you have a great reward in heaven! They spoke evil of the prophets; they spoke evil of Jesus; they will speak evil of you. So what? If you mind your integrity, then God will mind your reputation and reward you according to your faithfulness.

How did Amos respond to his accuser? He said that he was not a prophet but a farmer. God called him and told him to prophesy to Israel. So if Amaziah didn’t like it, he would need to take it up with God. Do you have such confidence that you are obeying the Lord? Then relax. He is your Defender and Helper.