Herdsman Prophet : Amos

This blog entry comes from one of my old diary entry from 2 years ago.  As I was reading the book of Amos, I was reminded of a conversation I had with my friend a few years back. Our conversation was about how sometimes people operate in the spiritual  gifts listed in Ephesians 4 (Apostle, Prophet, Evangelist, Pastor, Teacher) in an unconventional manner.For instance, I have met Apostles operating in the government sector, Evangelists in sales/ in the music industry, Pastors in counseling  & Teachers in educational sector.  

In Amos chapter 7, Amaziah the priest of  Bethel was sent by king Jeroboam to threaten Amos to keep is mouth shut. Amos responses to the threat by saying " I am not a prophet, neither am I the son of a prophet. I am just to a herdsman and farmer whio was sent to prophesy to the house of Isreal(paraphrased words)".

Eventhough Amos is regarded as one of the prophets in Isreal's history.  Amos just saw himself as a simple herdsmen been used by God. He operated in his prophetic gifting/office from an unconventional position. This is so refreshing to see people like Amos in scripture.

 Amos exemplifies 2 things :

First,  God can use anyone inspite of their past or background

Second,  you can operate in your God given spiritual gifts without any classical training(extensive theological training) or conventional religious  practices/mechanics (orthopraxy)

My prayer is that we all become herdsmen-prophets in our generation. No matter what our day-jobs are we can still be used in our giftings for the Lord.

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-Seyi Ola