July 11

Amos 8-9
The minor prophets are called that because we see very little of them in scripture.  However, that doesn’t mean that their message was minor, or that the Lord did not use them in powerful ways.  When Amos prophesied against Israel, he was banished.  He, along with the other prophets, suffered persecution because of their proclamation of God’s word.  People didn’t want to hear the bad news; they didn’t want to be convicted of their sins or hear the real truth.  Jesus said the same is in store for those who proclaim the truth today.  It is true that if one chooses to proclaim the truth of God’s will, persecution will follow.  Throughout my years of serving the Lord I have found this to be true.  There are truths that call upon us to change, repent of our way of life, and turn to the Lord.  Unfortunately, many do not want the change and resist.  They end up taking out their frustration on the messenger who has convicted them of their sin, or who has called upon them to stand with the truth.  The truth is often unpopular, and standing for the truth will often mean that people will revile and slander you.  Yet, when that takes place we should rejoice, knowing that we are sharing in the sufferings of Christ!  Praise be to God for the opportunity to serve and share in the same treatment our Lord received!