Not-So-Famous Amos

Amos 1-5

I love a good chocolate chip cookie! I can’t say that vending machine cookies are my favorite thing, but if I need a sugar fix, a bag of Famous Amos cookies can do the trick. However, today’s devotion and scripture contain no chocolate chip cookies (unless you would like to eat one while you’re reading).

I can’t think of any songs or poems proclaiming Amos’ greatness. He wasn’t a king, a priest, or in any elevated position. Amos 1:1 says that this not-so-famous Amos was “Among the sheepherders from Tekoa.” Even the place he was from isn’t famous to our modern-day ears. (I had to cheat a little bit to find out more about Amos by going to chapter 7). In Amos 7:14, he says, “I am not a prophet, nor am I the son of a prophet; for I am a herdsman and a grower of sycamore figs.” He didn’t speak out so he would gain fame. He spoke out because God called him to.

Once again, God shows us that he can use anyone from any background as a vessel for His word. Amos had powerful things to say, and He was willing to be God’s vessel. Some of his writings might be a little bit difficult to read and understand without knowing about the events of his day so if you need a Cliff Notes version to help you gain clarity, I recommend this video from The Bible Project.

Remember, it doesn’t matter what your age, gender, race, or education is. It doesn’t matter if you’ve been raised in the church or are just starting on your Christian journey. God can use you to further His Kingdom and share his love!

-Lacey Dunn

Reflection:

• What gifts or talents has God given you that you can use for furthering His Kingdom?

• What is one way that someone else has shared God’s word with you? What made it effective, and how can you effectively share God’s word with someone else?