Inspiration Is Qualification

Amos 7:10–17

On one occasion in our Savior's earthly ministry, Jesus returned to Nazareth to announce to the people of his hometown his identity as the Anointed One [Luke 4:16–32]. In the synagogue that Sabbath day, he read from Isaiah 61 a prophecy of the Messiah, and then explained to all assembled that he was its fulfillment. In response, the congregation attempted to throw him from a cliff. The moral, as the Lord himself expressed it, was that "No prophet is accepted in his own country."

The story of the meek, little prophet Amos broadens the significance of that proverb, in that he was rejected both in "his own country," Judah, and in the country to the north, Israel. We have in his life experience an important lesson in just how resistant people will be to the genuine prophecy. Because Amos came to Israel declaring woe for their apostate religious practices, he found some powerful enemies. The priest at Beth-el, Amaziah, reported to King Jeroboam that Amos was a provocateur. He indicated that he didn't care whether the prophet was speaking the truth. Amos' prophecies were a destabilizing force in the kingdom: "…the land is not able to bear all his words" [v. 10].

However, although his discourse with the king revealed his real argument against Amos, when he confronted the prophet, he made a different accusation entirely. "O thou seer," he said sarcastically, "go, flee thee away into the land of Judah, and there eat bread, and prophesy there" [v. 12]. Amaziah's ridicule implied that Amos was an opportunist… that he was in the business of making a quick profit by saying sensational things. However, the humble farmer-turned-prophet was not intimidated because he knew Whose words he was delivering. When challenged and told to forbear prophesying in the royal city, he responded by yet prophesying—this time how God would punish Amaziah for his blasphemous attack [v. 17].

Anyone called of the Lord to ministry is going to—at some point—face questions about his or her qualification for service. It is oft-used tactic of the Enemy to plant seeds of doubt about the effective calling of God's man or woman. Powerfully anointed servants, like the apostle Paul, confronted repeated challenges to their gifting and authority in Christ. We know this is so in Paul's case because of his forthright answers to his critics, like several key passages in the epistles to the Corinthians. Generally, the apostle refused the judgment of his critics, and professed his conviction that God had and would continue to justify his ministry [consider 1 Cor. 4:3,4].

This is the assurance that a minister must maintain. It is not a carnal self-confidence born of one's abilities: it is trust in the work that God has wrought in one's life. Confidence in his own qualification is part of a minister's faith walk.

Essential Thought: The man of God must recognize that his inspiration is proof of his qualification.

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iam glad to join your group thank you evangelist pastor susie houston

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