Voice

"I was no prophet, nor a prophet's son, but I was a shepherd and a tree cultivator," Amos 7:14.

Ever wonder what it takes to be a prophet? A prophet of God? (God's prophets gave voice to what God told them to say.) Well, here's one. But before getting to him, some of God's prophets moved relatively easily in and out of the royal courts throughout their lifetimes, like Isaiah. Seems that others organized a school of prophets, Samuel an example. Yet, here, Amos didn't consider himself a prophet, certainly not a trained one, nor think that he had genetic connections to a prophet. Rather, God surprised him with a message he didn't look for and sent him to prophesy an unwelcomed word to kings and priests alike. And the message? Turn again to honor God alone. Stop oppressing poor people. God's judgment arrives.

As we visit with each other today, brothers or sisters, we remind each other to heed God's Word, his voice. And, together, we give thanks God uses anybody to speak his warning and saving word.