Today’s Reading, Amos 6-9
Focal Scripture: Amos 7:15 “But the Lord took me from following the flock and said to me, ‘Go, prophesy to my people Israel.’ ”
Being called to serve the Lord is something that every believer is blessed to receive. The biblical expectation is that everyone who follows God will live their lives by serving the Lord and serving others. This happens through evangelism, hospitality, teaching, and even leadership. Then there are some that have been chosen to serve the Lord by a very direct calling. This has been labeled as the call of the Lord. It is a calling that asks a person to devote their lives to the ministry. To proclaim God’s truth and train others to follow the Lord with passionate zeal.
In today’s reading we see Amos describe his call from the Lord. Amos is being labeled a trouble maker and a liar. However, instead of defending himself he gives a response that is humble and powerful. He said I was in the field minding the sheep. Then the Lord said “Go, prophecy to my people.” Amos was walking about fulfilling his life duty then God called him to faithful service.
This calling did not make Amos a better believer or a better follower. However, this calling did set him apart from his peers. It would require him to forsake what he was doing as a vocation. It would require him to lose friends and family. It would even require him to lose his reputation. How can I say these things? Because when God calls a person to serve him as a vocation it seems overboard to others.
I have experienced this call and it is overwhelming at times. Leading Gods people is a big responsibility. Preaching to God’s people is trembling. Why? Because it requires you to rely on the spirit. It requires you to examine yourself for pride and sin. Then it requires you to faithfully preach the text even when it’s difficult and uncomfortable.
My challenge to you today is to pray for those who have experienced the call of the Lord. It is often a calling to loneliness and burdens that nobody understands. I ask challenge you to examine your heart and see if you are being called to vocational ministry. If you are called, be obedient and don’t be afraid of the negative stories that you hear because the church is worth your obedience. Most importantly, the Lord is worthy of all that you have.
Follow the Lord’s calling and don’t let others stop you from following the Lord’s biblical commands.
Tomorrow, I plan on reading 2 Chronicles 27 & Isaiah 9-12
