A Shepherd and a Prophet
Chronologically, Amos (1) follows Jonah and slightly overlaps with Hosea. He’s also a contemporary of Isaiah. Occupationally he works as a shepherd and doesn’t think of himself as a prophet.
In fact, he confirms to the priest Amaziah that he isn’t a prophet nor the son of a prophet. Yet God told him to prophesy, so he did. When God called him, he was tending a flock and caring for sycamore-fig trees.
Amos proclaims God’s truth during the reigns of kings Uzziah of Judah and Jeroboam II of Israel. He foretells judgment on many nations, including Judah, but Israel receives his primary focus.
In general, his message to all the nations is that they have sinned, and God will punish them.
Through all this, Amos is faithful to God’s call on his life and ministry.
Do we need credentials to serve God?
When he calls us to do something, do we tell him we’re not able or do we say yes?
[Read about Amos in Amos 1:1 and Amos 7:14–15. Discover a parallel story in Matthew 9:9.]
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More Old Testament Sinners and Saints is part of the Bible Character Sketches series.
Peter DeHaan writes about biblical Christianity to confront a status quo faith and live a life that matters. He seeks a fresh approach to following Jesus through the lens of Scripture, without the baggage of made-up traditions and meaningless practices.
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