Amos, the sheep breeder and sycamore tree farmer, was a bold prophet of the Lord, called to work for the Lord (Amos 7:14-15). Amaziah was not a prophet of the Lord. We briefly compare and contrast Amos and Amaziah [not to be confused with a king of Judah by the same name, 2 Chronicles 25:1] and note that man’s debilities and inadequacies are no limitations to God when He resolves to use someone.
Amaziah was not a priest of the Lord, either. Rather, he was the priest of King Jeroboam, the son of Nebat. Jeroboam was the first king in the northern kingdom of divided Israel. He created idols in Dan (north) and Bethel (south) for the northern faction of Israel to worship (1 Kings 12:25-29). He abandoned his Maker for dumb idols, to his ruin and the annihilation of his entire family. Amaziah was a priest of the idol at Bethel. Amos was not a priest, but a prophet of the Living God; he was not a prophet of King Jeroboam and of idols.
The name Amaziah, which was borne by four persons in the Old Testament, means “The Strength of the Lord” (Amos 7:10, 12, 14; 1 Chronicles 4:34; 6:45; 2 Chronicles 25:27). Amos, from Tekoa in Judah, means “Burden” (Amos 1:1).
Amaziah lied against the prophet Amos that he conspired against the king and that “the land is not able to bear all his words” (Amos 7:10 NKJV). Amaziah could not withstand the truth in Amos’s message, so he demanded his exit from Bethel to dwell in Judah. Could blackmailing of Amaziah against Amos help Israel from not being swept into captivity (Amos 7:10-13)?
Truth and falsehood cannot exist together (2 Corinthians 6:14-17). The latter will give way for the former since no one can do anything against the truth (2 Corinthians 13:8). Amos was not the son of a prophet, yet God summoned him. Amos was a farmer (Amos 7:14-15) and neither a deceiver nor a broadcaster of falsehood. He accepted the call of God and prophesied against Israel for its sins (Amos 7:16-17). Amaziah was a priest of an abominable idol. He worked for King Jeroboam and lived on falsehood and disseminating deceit.
Regardless of your profession, preach and teach the Gospel. Yes, work for the Lord actively and diligently, rather than for idols (Jeremiah 48:10). God can make good use of you if you permit (2 Timothy 2:20). Irrespective of your knowledge, skill, physique and inadequacies, there are no barriers to God when He is ready to utilize you. Just make yourself available for His use.
Recall Moses, the stammerer, and the youthful Jeremiah (Exodus 4:11-12; Jeremiah 1:5-6). Timothy’s ailment and Paul’s infirmities were mitigated as God employed them for His use and glory (1 Timothy 5:23; 2 Corinthians 12:5-10). God will give you sense, power and wisdom. You can be used for God’s glory and honour. Only, make yourself available to God for His great use!
