Everyday Jane

Daily Reading: Amos 7

I was no prophet, nor a prophet's son, but I was a herdsman and a dresser of sycamore figs. But the Lord took me from following the flock, and the Lord said to me, ‘Go, prophesy to my people Israel.’ (Amos 7.14-15)

Devotional Thought: Imagine... He was no father, but she was a mother.  He was no father, but he fell in love with her and her children.  He was no father, but he had a job and a home.  One day, he became a husband, a father, a protector, and a provider.  Embracing that life, he became the recipient of joy he could not even have imagined... Along with a few heartaches as well.

It wasn't fatherhood for Amos, but the work of preaching.  He had not planned to be a preacher.  He was not from a family of preachers.  He was a farmer.  But, in his words, one day "The Lord took me from following the flock, and ... said to me, "Go, prophesy to my people."  It was a work of joy and of heartache.  It defined Amos' life from that day forward, even to the point of his refusal to step aside in the face of threats from the government. 

Amos had been pressed into service primarily by the call of God.  But then he saw something that gripped his heart: God's people were lost and wandering away from faith.  God wanted Amos to call them back.  Amos embraced this life with zeal.

Perhaps you would echo the words of Amos: "I am no preacher, just a regular everyday Jane or Joe."  Yet, you have fallen in love with Jesus, and you see that Jesus has a family, a family with needs, a family that promises joy as well as heartache.  Will you leave your comfort to serve Jesus and the ones he loves - both inside and outside the Church?  God is calling you, calling all of us, to give ourselves away for others.

What is your answer?

Prayer: Lord, I know that you have compassion on the lost, wandering as sheep without a shepherd.  I give myself first to you and then to them, "that the world may know."  Amen.

Psalm of the Day: Psalm 102.12-17

12 But you, LORD, sit enthroned forever; your renown endures through all generations. 13 You will arise and have compassion on Zion, for it is time to show favor to her; the appointed time has come. 14 For her stones are dear to your servants; her very dust moves them to pity. 15 The nations will fear the name of the LORD, all the kings of the earth will revere your glory. 16 For the LORD will rebuild Zion and appear in his glory. 17 He will respond to the prayer of the destitute; he will not despise their plea.