Who you are is often confused with what you do. Your job often gives you meaning and defines who you are. We look at people with high-powered, influential jobs and think maybe they are more important. I recently met a woman in her mid 60’s and she proudly proclaimed that she has been a stay-at-home mom since day 1 and she wouldn’t change a thing! I loved her confidence in what she said. Others may look down on her for not “working” a 9-5 job. But, she knew what God called her to do and did it well.
Sometimes we think that God will only use the best and the brightest among us. The ones that seem super spiritual and are really involved in Church activities and community issues. He might use the people who have authority and influence. In our reading today we see this is not the case.
The words of Amos, who was one of the sheep breeders from Tekoa – what he saw regarding Israel in the days of King Uzziah of Judah and Jeroboam son of Jehoash, ing of Israel, tow years before the earthquake.
Amos 1:1
Amos was a sheep breeder of Tekoa. He had no formal training in theology or prophetic ministry. Amos was a simple man, a farmer. He was a man taking care of his sheep, but God called him to ministry.
The name Amos means “burden” or “burden bearer.” In this first chapter of Amos we see that Amos prophecies about the coming judgement. Because of what he has to speak, he carries a heavy burden.
God uses this simple man and gives him great job to do. Amos was a prophet to the 10 norther tribes in the kingdom of Israel. These days were filled with one wicked king after another. But, God called this simple sheep breeder to preach to the nation that had forgotten who God was.
No matter what you do for a living, God can use you in mighty ways just as He did Amos. God uses unlikely people to do what He wants done, just as He used Jesus, a simple carpenter.
Who are you and how can God use you?