Amos: The Call Of God

I. Introduction

a. Amos was a shepherd from Tekoa, a town about six miles south of Bethlehem.

b. Amos’ ministry dates to the reigns of Jeroboam II, king of Israel and Uzziah, King of Judah.

c. Amos’ ministry was during a time of peace and expansion for Israel and Judah. It was a time of great prosperity for Israel. The people believed that their prosperity showed that they were righteous.

d. Amos had a hard message to proclaim. In Amos’ confrontation with Amaziah, Amos makes it clear that the message was from the Lord, and he would not be proclaiming if he had not been called of God.

II. The Call of God is an Interrupting Call (Amos 7:14-15b)

a. Interrupted his career

i. Amos was not a prophet.

ii. Amos was a herdsman and a grower of sycamore figs. (Amos 7:14)

iii. God called him right were he was. God not only called from a job, God called him while he was on the job. (Amos 1:1)

iv. God’s call interrupted Amos’ career.

v. God may be calling you to use your career for his glory.

b. Interrupted his calmness

i. The word of the Lord took me. The word took

is the Hebrew word jql which also translate to seize, to marry, to lay hold of.

ii. Many times we sit back in our calmness and we do not allow the Lord to lay hold of us.

III. The Call of God is an Informing Call (Amos 7:15)

a. Informed concerning the ministry

i. “Go prophesy”

ii. Amos was told exactly what God wanted him to

do. When God calls you he will not let you wonder what it is exactly what he wants you to do.

b. Informed concerning the multitude

i. “to my people Israel”

ii. God told Amos who is hearers were to be.

iii. God has told us today that our hearers are the lost.

IV. The Call of God is an Irrefutable Call (Amos 7:16-17)

a. Irrefutable for Amos

i. When Amos heard the Call of God, he had no choice but to obey.

ii. Amos stood up to Amaziah even though Amaziah had the authority of the King.

b. Irrefutable fro Amaziah

i. Amos told Amaziah what would happen to him.

ii. The Lord what going to gets Amaziah’s attention one way or another.

iii. Don’t wait until God has to get your attention.

iv. When you hear God’s Call your life must change. Either your heart will be more harden or you

will summit to God.

V. Conclusion

a. God has called all of us to a specific work. (Jeremiah 29:11)

b. What is it going to take for you to hear God’s voice?

c. Many times we are so busy listening to the voice of the world