Bible Thoughts

April 29, 2001

The Lord does not look at the social status of one in choosing those who will serve His purposes. He chooses those who have the strength and integrity, coupled with faith, to go about his business. If it be a Solomon, the Lord uses him. If it be a young David, he is appointed to God's work. The Lord looks upon the heart as he chooses those who can accomplish His will. So God looked upon Amos and saw fit to use this man who was not a ruler, not a recognized leader by the people, but one who was a humble worker in the field and in the groves. Jehovah knew Amos and He would be the person who would serve the Lord's purposes.

Amos was a sheepherder. This occupation was honest, but not rated as highly by the people as those who sit in favored places. Yet, the strength of character of this man was suitable to relay the message of God to His people. He would speak plainly and pointedly in regard to the problems of the Jews. He did not have to use the language of kings to relay his message. They understood what the prophet spoke. Give us men like Amos who will speak in a manner that is understood by the listeners.

Amos was a gardener. He tended to sycamore trees that produced figs. It is thought by some that this would be the ordinary food for those who were shepherds. As a shepherd and gardener, Amos sustained his life. He had no great wealth or power, but he would do what God asked of him.

The Lord called Amos to be a spokesman for Him. The reaction of Amos shows that he was a humble man. "I am not a prophet, nor am I the son of a prophet"(Amos 7:14). It was difficult to understand, from a human standpoint, why the Lord would choose such a person to deliver a message to the people of Israel. However, God knows the heart and the motives of each person. Jehovah knew Amos: he would do his work well.

Amos possessed the courage to relay the warnings of God to those of his day. He warned the surrounding nations how the Lord would deal with them for their iniquities. Amos pointed out the failings of Israel and pointed out the vengeance of God that would come upon them.

The prophet saw the ease in Zion and spoke of the coming disasters that would engulf the "great house." The price for ignoring the commands of God and disobedience of God's will must be paid. This was not a very pleasant warning for those people who believed they belonged to God. Amos simply spoke what God revealed to him.

Above all else, Amos had great faith in the Lord and recognized the power of the Almighty. The humble status of Amos did not deter him from being willing to do as God had commanded. A lesson for us: whether one is rich or poor, laborer or professional, uneducated or skilled in human knowledge, a place in the kingdom of God is available to all. Let each of us be willing to do all that we can in the service of the Lord.

Jesus was talking to the multitudes and his disciples in regard to the scribes and the Pharisees. How they sought the best places and the best seats, how they laid heavy burdens but do not carry any of the load, how they enlarge their garments to show how righteous they are. Their problem was that they wanted to be important, they wanted to be exalted. Now is this not a problem we find with many people? Man lives his life in a way so that he can get to the top, that he can be important. But Jesus condemned the scribes and the Pharisees for doing just that, and states that if you want to be the greatest then you need to be prepared to be the servant first. Now the scribes and Pharisees did not understand nor listen to what Jesus told them, and so today many will not listen. But we as saints do not have a choice, if we want to receive heaven and be lifted up, then we need to humble ourselves now.-Vaughn Botha

It is said that after a mother has children she never sleeps as soundly again. It seems a mother will actually unconsciously sleep lighter in an effort to remain alert to her children's needs. Through midnight feedings, diaper changes, and all the more that they do, mothers sacrifice of themselves to help their children. It is through their sacrifices that they make themselves able to always be prepared to help the ones that they love.

God is the same way. Though He doesn't have need of sleep, He does focus an incredible portion of time upon us. The phrase, "He neither sleeps nor slumbers" is metaphorically displaying God's dedication to mankind. We are God's children. As a mother sacrifices for her baby, so God sacrifices for us.

Are we as dedicated to God as He is to us? Have we prepared ourselves to always be ready to help our God the way that He has prepared Himself to help us? If not, why not? "Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness..." (Matthew 6:33). This is the level of dedication that God requires of man.

Our dedication, our focus should be upon Him and His needs. What are God's needs? His focus is upon helping mankind. Since that is His focus, if we want to help Him than we should help mankind. How are we to do that? God has already given us the instructions. They are found in His word. He says to man, get yourself on the track to spiritual maturity and help others to get there too. The two go hand in hand for as you help others you will also help yourself. It's not selfish, it's just an incredible blessing from our God that we receive spiritual benefits as we sacrifice of ourselves to help someone else. It's yet another part of how He helps us. By focusing upon God, we are doing what is best for ourselves.-Joe Cook