Welcome back to “A Word from the Vine,” with me, Pastor Loren Christensen. In this episode, we will pick up on our reading from Amos last time and discuss the response of Amaziah to Amos’ prophecy as recorded in Amos 7:10-13.
Let's look at Amos 7:10-13: “Then Amaziah the priest of Bethel sent to Jeroboam king of Israel, saying, ‘Amos has conspired against you in the midst of the house of Israel. The land is not able to bear all his words. For thus Amos has said, “Jeroboam shall die by the sword, and Israel must go into exile away from his land.”’ And Amaziah said to Amos, ‘O seer, go, flee away to the land of Judah, and eat bread there, and prophesy there, but never again prophesy at Bethel, for it is the king’s sanctuary, and it is a temple of the kingdom.’”
Amaziah was the priest of Bethel, a significant religious center. He opposed Amos’ message, viewing it as a threat to the kingdom’s stability. As a religious leader, Amaziah held considerable influence and authority, and he saw Amos’ prophecies as a direct challenge to the established order.
Amaziah’s opposition highlights the tension between established religious authority and the truth of God’s prophetic message. Amaziah, representing the religious establishment, was more concerned with maintaining the status quo than with heeding God’s warning. Amos, on the other hand, was committed to delivering God’s message, regardless of the opposition he faced. This conflict reminds us that sometimes, standing for God’s truth means facing resistance from those in positions of power.
Let us be encouraged to stay true to God’s message, even when faced with opposition. Amos’ faithfulness to God’s call, despite the challenges, serves as an inspiring example for us all. In our next episode, we will explore Amos’ calling and mission.
Thank you for joining us today. Until next time, may God bless you and guide you in His ways.
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