Road Warriors: Amos—A Message of Justice - Friday
Amos 1:1
The words of Amos, one of the shepherds of Tekoa… (NIV)
As we’ve learned this week, Amos didn’t have a sterling resume. In his own words, he was a “fig picker” and a “herdsman” (Amos 7:14). Yet God plucked him out of obscurity and gave him a purposeful mission. He specializes in using people like that… maybe you’re one of them. Hey, me too. I think there’s a reason He uses “third-stringers.” Here it is: He likes it when those who represent Him have to depend more on Him than themselves. He’ll opt for brokenness over self-sufficiency any day. As Paul said, “When I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Corinthians 12:10).
Throughout history, God has specialized in using ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things. Think of Abe Lincoln’s meager beginnings; or William Booth, founder of the Salvation Army; or Rosa Parks, who rejected the injustice of moving to the back of the bus in Montgomery, Alabama, in 1955. Amos didn’t win any popularity contests either, but guess what? He obeyed God anyway.
So as we wrap up devos this week, I want to speak to those of you who think you’re not good enough, who think your past disqualifies you from serving God… Think again. Look at some of the people God used in the Bible: Moses stuttered. David’s armor didn’t fit. John Mark was rejected by Paul. Timothy had ulcers. Hosea’s wife was a prostitute. Jacob was a liar. David had an affair. Solomon was too rich. Abraham was too old. David was too young. Peter was overly impulsive. Lazarus was dead. Naomi was a widow. Paul was a murderer. Jonah ran from God. Miriam was a gossip. Gideon had weak faith—Thomas, too. Martha was a worry-wart. Samson slept with a prostitute. Noah got drunk. Jeremiah was depressed. Elijah was burned out and suicidal.
A cursory glance at that list might raise the question, Why did God use so many people with such serious flaws? Here’s the simple answer: That’s all He has to work with, because all the perfect people are in Heaven. In the meantime, it’s wounded sinners like you and me, kid. That’s the miracle of grace, friends, and what a mind-boggling miracle it is!
Friday’s Reflection
You think God can’t use you? I have just three words for you: You’re so wrong. Later, love you, bye! Have a good weekend!
