Most of the book of Amos is geared toward Israel’s coming judgment because of their rebellion against God. If you are looking for a book to pick you up in the morning, it may not be the first one on the list. But God often includes surprises within even books with a somber message. Read Amos 7:10-17 and you will see what I mean.

When a false priest tells King Jeroboam that Amos is prophesying about the king, the king has a natural reaction. Jeroboam tells Amos to go away and speak somewhere else. Imagine your reaction if the president of the United States told you to stop speaking about God’s coming judgment on sin. What would your response be?

Read Amos 7:14-17.

This is where I had an inward chuckle. Amos’s response to the king was something like, “I didn’t ask for this job. I was minding my business when God told me to speak his words.” He pretty much told the king that it wasn’t his choice to speak as a prophet … but he was going to speak God’s words whether the king liked it or not. That was the perfect response. Amos showed his humanity but also the importance of the job God had given him.

I don’t think there is a one size fits all manner of responding to those who reject the message God has given us. But this was a good one. There are times that we, like Amos, must speak about Hell as well as Heaven. And there will be times when someone will want us to stop talking about God’s judgment. We must remember that God is the author of the message and not us. If someone has a problem with us speaking what the Bible says, they really have a problem with God. So, be like Amos and keep speaking regardless of the response.