May 14, 2019
Amos 7:12-15               
Then Amaziah said to Amos, “Get out, you seer! Go back to the land of Judah. Earn your bread there and do your prophesying there.  Don’t prophesy anymore at Bethel, because this is the king’s sanctuary and the temple of the kingdom.” Amos answered Amaziah, “I was neither a prophet nor the son of a prophet, but I was a shepherd, and I also took care of sycamore-fig trees.  But the Lord took me from tending the flock and said to me, ‘Go, prophesy to my people Israel.’
New International Version (NIV)
                Where were you when God tapped on your shoulder?  Amos was in Judah, the Southern Kingdom, shepherding his sheep and picking his sycamore figs.  While he was minding his own business, God tapped on Amos’s shoulder and sent him North to Samaria to preach.

                Amos preached a blistering sermon which offended the people of the Northern Kingdom of Israel.  He confronted their corruption, their complacency and their confidence in their own worship.  They went up to worship at Gilgal and Bethel but it made no difference in their lives.  The preachers preached about the day God would exalt them and judge their enemies.  Amos said, “Not so fast.  I wouldn’t put much stock in your prediction of the future when you aren’t living for God right now.”  He called their favorite worship music “noise” and asked them to stop. 

                Amaziah, the leading priest told him to go home and make money preaching there.  Amos answered, “I preach for God, not for money.”  This gave him freedom to tell the truth.  Amos answered exclusively to the God who called him. 

                We could be content to mind our own business today.  But when we least expect it, God may tap us on our shoulders and tell us to do something for him.  Whatever God tells you to do, by all means do that.  You will never regret it.
Pray with me:    
Father, forgive our false confidence in our own privilege and plans.  What would you like us to do with our lives today?  Speak to us and show us your will for our lives.  Give us the joy, freedom and boldness that comes from obedience.  Let us live for you, our Audience of One, we pray.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen.            
This year our Every Day with Jesus readings will follow The Bible Project Read Scripture Plan.  Copies of this reading plan are available at Tallowood Baptist Church, or download 
the app at readscripture.org.  Read through the Bible with us in 2019!
Joyfully, 
Duane 
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