BIBLE CHARACTER: Steadfast in Service
An inspiring lesson from Amos…..
Near the end of Paul’s first epistle to the Corinthians there is a powerful exhortation for believers to be “steadfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord,” (1 Cor.15:58). Have you ever wondered why Paul thought it necessary to give the Corinthians (and us) such an instruction? The reason, surely, is that we are not automatically steadfast and unmoveable, neither are we perpetually abounding in the work of the Lord. We need encouragement to go on.
There is an enemy who does all he can to hinder our service for the Lord. Sometimes Satan generates outright opposition; on other occasions – because of our own human weakness – doubt, discouragement and fear become effective tools in his hands. As a result the work of the Lord suffers, and sometimes it can be stopped altogether.
ONE OF MANY
The Bible contains a number of helpful illustrations which show how the devil has succeeded in delaying or destroying the work of God. His efforts in Nehemiah’s day are well worth considering. First, ridicule from without was encountered when the work of rebuilding Jerusalem’s walls was to be undertaken. (1) Next the enemy worked within, among God’s people, exploiting their sinful natures and producing the fruits of selfishness and discontent. (2) When the deceit of Sanballat and Geshem did not succeed, the tactics of fear were employed. (3)
Nehemiah, the godly leader of the people, realized the intention of the enemy who reasoned that the Israelites’ hands would be weakened and their work would therefore not be completed. (4) Nehemiah was vigilant and took his responsibility seriously. Although the difficulties did not disappear, his wise leadership inspired the confidence of others. Eventually, through God’s goodness and His people’s perseverance, the work of rebuilding Jerusalem’s walls was completed. (5)
SERVING ALONE
Of course, we are not all leaders. Neither are we all part of a large team working under the leadership of a godly man like Nehemiah. Often in our service we may feel very much alone. Amos must have felt like that. In the Old Testament book bearing his name he describes one moment of crisis in his own experience. He had been faithful in discharging his responsibilities. He had denounced the shameful ways ofIsraeland had exposed the sins of the people and of the priests. At length Amaziah, the priest of Bethel, could bear it no more and sent this message to Jeroboam king of Israel: “Amos hath conspired against thee in the midst of the house of Israel: the land is not able to bear all his words,” (Amos 7:10).
Amaziah should have known better. His name means Strength of Jah, but he didn’t live up to it. Bethel (which means “house of God”) had become a place of idolatry. How tragic this was! The man who should have been acting as God’s representative was found opposing the voice of the prophet. Today we may encounter opposition from “religious leaders” – sometimes those who occupy positions of prominence in the established church. Like Amaziah they may resort to tale-telling, endeavouring to get the secular powers (King Jeroboam) to terminate the true work of God.
By comparing Amaziah’s accusation (7:11) with Amos’ own prophecy (7:9) we discover something interesting. Amaziah misquoted the words of Amos. Satan will often mix together truth and error and so distort the Word of God. Amaziah then turned to Amos and derided him, exclaiming, “O thou seer, go, flee thee away into the land of Judah, and there eat bread, and prophesy there,” (7:12). Bethel was too sacred and too important a place for these messages of judgment, (7:13). Amos’ words were causing offence and must be stopped!
IN THE LAST DAYS
We are warned that in the last days even professing Christians will turn from the truth unto fables, seeking popular and pleasing teaching of their own choice rather than “sound doctrine,” (2 Tim.4:3-4). What are we to do when the truth is not wanted, when we feel alone and experience opposition in our work for the Lord? Very simply – carry on! Paul’s exhortation to Timothy contains no compromise: “Preach the Word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine,” (2 Tim.4:2). Do not be intimidated – and do not be discouraged.
What did Amos do? Did he blush, hang his head in shame, and go back to his native land of Judah as Amaziah suggested? His answer and his example are both inspiring. First he remembered his divine call: “I was no prophet, neither was I a prophet’s son: but I was an herdman… and the LORD took me as I followed the flock, and the LORD said unto me, ‘Go, prophesy unto my people Israel,’” (Amos 7:14-15). His security lay in the fact that God had called him to preach. Secondly, he continued to proclaim his message with courage, (7:16-17).
DON’T BE DISCOURAGED!
You may be opposed and you may feel alone as you seek to serve the Lord faithfully. Remember Amos. Has the Lord called you to do a work for Him? If He has, do not be put off. Remember your call. Remember His authority too. He is with you in your service. (6) He will never leave you nor forsake you, and you may boldly declare, “The Lord is my helper; and I will not fear what man shall do unto me,” (Heb.13:5-6).
Although in enemy territory, we must be steadfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord. Remember, weary warrior, your labour is not in vain in the Lord. (7)
END NOTES:- (1)Neh.2:19 & 4:2-3. (2)Neh.5. (3) Neh.6. (4)Neh.6:9. (5)Neh.6:15. (6)Mt.28:19-20. (7)1 Cor.15:58.