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16 September 2007
Amos 7 v 10-13
Amaziah, a priest at Bethel, sent this message to Jeroboam king of Israel: "Amos is making evil plans against you with the people of Israel. He has been speaking so much that this land can't hold all his words. This is what Amos has said:
'Jeroboam will die by the sword, and the people of Israel will be taken as captives out of their own country.' "
Then Amaziah said to Amos, "Seer, go back right now to Judah. Do your prophesying and earn your living there, but don't prophesy anymore here at Bethel. This is the king's holy place, and it is the nation's temple."
As a priest, Amaziah was supposed to be the people's representative before God. His role was to help the people to worship the Lord, showing them how to follow him. However Amaziah had a vested interest in ignoring Amos's criticisms and instead supported the King in keeping things just the way they had been. He was not prepared to hear God's message or let that impact his own life and that of the nation.
Despite this opposition, Amos faithfully proclaimed the messages that God was giving him. The message Amos shared created problems, he was rocking the boat and he risked a lot in speaking out against the leaders. Amaziah sent him away, stating that this was the king's holy place and the nation's temple. In the defence of the ruling powers and nation's religious tradition Amos was silenced.
This story still speaks today. It acts as a warning to those in power in society and in the church. God will speak even if those should be representing God get it wrong and they would be wise to listen. It also encourages us to speak up and to share God's message even when we risk rejection from others.
Have you been avoiding any situations where you know God is asking you to say or do something that you know others won't like? Ask God to help you care more about what he wants, and for the courage to do this.
Written by Beth Keith & Dan Cooper
Amos 7 v 10-13
Amaziah, a priest at Bethel, sent this message to Jeroboam king of Israel: "Amos is making evil plans against you with the people of Israel. He has been speaking so much that this land can't hold all his words. This is what Amos has said:
'Jeroboam will die by the sword, and the people of Israel will be taken as captives out of their own country.' "
Then Amaziah said to Amos, "Seer, go back right now to Judah. Do your prophesying and earn your living there, but don't prophesy anymore here at Bethel. This is the king's holy place, and it is the nation's temple."
As a priest, Amaziah was supposed to be the people's representative before God. His role was to help the people to worship the Lord, showing them how to follow him. However Amaziah had a vested interest in ignoring Amos's criticisms and instead supported the King in keeping things just the way they had been. He was not prepared to hear God's message or let that impact his own life and that of the nation.
Despite this opposition, Amos faithfully proclaimed the messages that God was giving him. The message Amos shared created problems, he was rocking the boat and he risked a lot in speaking out against the leaders. Amaziah sent him away, stating that this was the king's holy place and the nation's temple. In the defence of the ruling powers and nation's religious tradition Amos was silenced.
This story still speaks today. It acts as a warning to those in power in society and in the church. God will speak even if those should be representing God get it wrong and they would be wise to listen. It also encourages us to speak up and to share God's message even when we risk rejection from others.
Have you been avoiding any situations where you know God is asking you to say or do something that you know others won't like? Ask God to help you care more about what he wants, and for the courage to do this.
Written by Beth Keith & Dan Cooper
