S) "14 Then Amos replied to Amaziah, 'I am not a prophet, nor am I the son of a prophet; for I am a herdsman and a grower of sycamore figs. 15 But the Lord took me from following the flock and the Lord said to me, "Go prophesy to My people Israel."'"
Amos 7:14-15 (NASB)
*because there are already entries for each of these chapters, I also read Amos 7
*because there are already entries for each of these chapters, I also read Amos 7
O) So, the Old Testament should have the Pentateuch, the histories, the books of wisdom, the major prophets, minor prophets, and the herdsman/grower. Seriously, I cannot blame Amos for not wanting to identify himself this way, since most of the prophets to Israel and Judah were killed for the truth they spoke. This was also an important distinction, because it shows that a person can do something without being that thing, and that's how it's always been with God. In the New Testament, we see that prophesying is a gift of the Holy Spirit, and every disciple of Jesus Christ has the Holy Spirit. So, by the Holy Spirit, any person could be used by God to prophesy, but not all are prophets.
A) These words are a reminder to me, not to think more highly of myself than I ought. God could use me for amazing things, but that doesn't make me amazing, it makes Him amazing! Amos had no desire to make this his vocation, but God sent him with a specific message, a specific task, and he was going to complete his mission. In my own life, if God is calling me to task about something, I have a responsibility to finish that job, but that job does not redefine who I am. This is another example of how I should limit my identity to who I am in Christ, and that alone. If I am venturing to call myself by greater tasks/roles, then I am at quite a bit of risk to become arrogant, proud, and haughty.
P) Father, You are great, mighty, wise, and strong. I am not these things. You are omniscient, omnipresent, and sovereign. I am not these things. In Christ alone, I am found righteous. In Christ alone, I am made holy. In Christ alone, I have gifts, talents, and skills that glorify You and honor Your name. I know arrogance and pride, and I know how agonizing that is, Lord. Thank You for making Your ways the good ways. Help me to remember that. Help me stay humble, Lord. Help me find my identity, not in what I do, but in what I believe. When I put my faith and trust in Jesus Christ, I am Yours. I am counted as a son of God, as an heir. That is my identity in Christ Jesus. Let me find all of my peace, fulfillment, and satisfaction in You, Lord. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.
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