MaryLynne Wrye MaryLynne Wrye

Hear the Word of the Lord

(Amaziah the Priest) But never prophesy again at Bethel, for it is the king's sanctuary…(Amos the Prophet) Now therefore hear the word of the Lord. (Amos 7:13 and 16)

(Amaziah the Priest) But never prophesy again at Bethel, for it is the king's sanctuary.

(Amos the Prophet) Now therefore hear the word of the Lord. (Amos 7:13 and 16)

Phil. 2:1-22 and 3:8; Matt. 13:22; Luke 18:29-30; Col. 3:2; II Tim. 4:10

What Is God Saying?

Israel was in deep trouble. While it is true that Jeroboam's reign was marked by considerable prosperity, the people were unaware that they were plunging toward destruction. They were like people on a river raft with neither awareness nor concern that their craft was heading toward a waterfall. Israel had decided its destiny 200 years before, when the ten Northern tribes, departing from the God of their fathers, had established calf worship as their religion (I Kings 12:25-33).

Having turned from God, they could not guard against the charms of idolatry. The debased and debasing practices of Canaanite idolatry swept in like a flood. It seemed a welcome change from the demanding disciplines and the laws of a jealous God. Still, the swelling tide of evil was turning the stream of Israel's history into a raging river carrying the people God loved to destruction. God sent Elijah, Elisha, and Jonah, but the people rejected their message. With Amos, God was making one last effort to reach them. From the bank, He threw out another rope, as it were, to the people in the boat. They didn't take it.

In one of the memorable confrontations of Scripture, Amaziah told Amos to mind his own business, ‘Go back to Judah, if you must preach, and tell them to get their act together. We have all the religion we need. Don't meddle in our affairs.’ They rejected another rope of hope. They scorned another prophet. Time was running out. The disaster was soon and sure.

How Does This Apply To Us?

Can we draw a parallel today? We can become so secure and comfortable in our religious ways that we might consider any suggestion that God might have a different way or a better way a threat. We must be open and sensitive to messengers from God. God provides hope and promises deliverance, but we must take hold of the rope.

Pray With Me

Lord, sometimes words that are stern and uncomfortable need to be heard. Amaziah was the top man in the king's sanctuary. Did not the king enjoy immunity from harsh accusations? Why must he be warned and rebuked by an ordinary herdsman, a self-appointed prophet? Yet, despite Amaziah's exalted position, for all his privilege and prestige, you had a word for him. Great privilege calls for great responsibility. Those in high positions should be humble lest they be humbled. No one is so secure that they do not need your strengthening presence. No one is so rich in possessions that they do not need to lean on your mercy. No one is so strong that they do not need to humble themself beneath the mighty hand of God. No one is so religious that they do not need the grace of your Spirit.

That is why, O Lord, I would remember that your warnings are kind and your commandments arise from love. Let me not play the fool. Let me not say to the spokesman of your Word, ‘Since I am so privileged, since this is the king's sanctuary, do not prophesy here. Go anywhere, but not here.’ Instead, let me hear your Word, let me know your will, and follow your way. When You come to me and my spirit is annoyed by words that feel too close to home, help me, Lord, to understand that ‘the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether ... and in the keeping of them there is great reward.’

In the name of Jesus Christ, whose warnings are kind and whose commandments are love. Amen.

Moving On In The Life of Prayer

Suppose we are not in the boat. Suppose we are saved and safe in Christ on the bank. Then we are called to be a rope thrower. Prayer for others is the first step. Through prayer, we will know how and when to speak. Speaking to God on behalf of others prepares us to talk to others on behalf of God.

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