Go, flee thee away

Amos 7:12

Also Amaziah said unto Amos, O thou seer, go, flee thee away into the land of Judah, and there eat bread, and prophesy there…

Amos was a godly prophet in Israel, one who warned Israel of the coming judgments of God. But just as in many other cases, and in many other times, the land did not want to hear the prophet. They wanted to walk in their own ways and in their own doings. They said that the land could not bear all his words. It was too much for them. The king was too busy relaxing and reclining in his summer house, and the people were too busy enjoying their ivory homes to listen to what the prophet had to say—the lowly prophet Amos. Amos was not a famous man. God took him from following the flock. He was a herdman and a gatherer of fruit when the Lord’s calling came upon him. And God said to him, “Go, prophecy unto my people Israel.” And Amos was simply obedient to that. But the king and his wicked priest of Beth-el would have none of it. Amaziah the priest says to Amos, “O thou seer, go, flee thee away into the land of Judah, and there eat bread, and prophesy there.” Do not do it here! This is the king’s chapel, and the king’s court! Go somewhere else! But not here!

And we see the same thing happening to God’s prophets even now. Those who are preaching the truth of God and His Word are facing in many places the same rejection. Speak somewhere else! But not here! And to all who want to silence the voice of God coming from the prophets, you are toying with the grace and mercy of God. It is a dangerous thing. A dangerous and perilous thing it is to refuse when the Lord speaketh. For He does not always speak! His words come from His men at certain times. Be careful that you turn not away from Him that speaketh. Here, they tell the seer to flee away, to go somewhere else. And to all who may read this who have a passion to get God’s Word and truth to those about them, do not be surprised if they reject it. Do not be surprised if they say, “Do not come back! Go somewhere else!” For this is the common plight of the Lord’s messengers.

But let me now leave you with words of comfort and encouragement. For, as with Amos, we are not to stop speaking because some do not listen. We are to be as Amos. Amos, a man whose words are recorded in Holy Writ. Amos, a man who is speaking to the people of his time. Be not discouraged! Be an Amos! Be someone who speaks unafraid for God. We see that Amos did not speak his own words, but simply and only the words of the living God. When we get into high waters is when we begin to speak our own words. We must cease from that, and just speak the words of the Lord. In whatever arena you are in, may God challenge you this day to speak for Him!

“Father in Heaven, we know that you have given each of us a message, reminding us that we are to speak for you in truth and in passion and in compassion. You have men and women everywhere who are hearing from you. May we speak these words with power and conviction, leaning only on you; trusting only in you and never placing confidence in man. Use us for your glory, even when we are told to flee away! We are in your hands. In the name of Jesus Christ our Savior we pray, Amen.”