Amos—The Shepherd Who Became a Prophet - All The LORD is near Daily Devotionals for 2025

I followed the flock.
Amos 7:15

Amos—The Shepherd Who Became a Prophet
Amos was a shepherd, and he also harvested the fruit from sycamore trees (Amos 1:1; 7:14-15). He was an all-round farmhand who worked outdoors regularly and was very familiar with rural life—not someone you would think would have a powerful ministry. But God does not think like we do.

In keeping with his down-to-earth style, he describes his vocation in prosaic terms, saying, "I followed the flock." He describes himself as being "among the herdmen" (1:1 jnd).

This seems to have been his life's work until called by God; it was while he was working at his trade that Jehovah called him to be a prophet (7:15). God calls those who are busy at their "secular" occupation; whether it is a Moses tending his flock of sheep, an Elisha with his plow, a Simon Peter with his nets, or even a Saul (Paul) in his energetic religious bigotry and zealotry (Ex. 3:1-14; 1 Ki. 19:19-21; Mk. 1:16-17; Acts 9:1-6).

He does not call the lazy or the indifferent to full-time ministry, or to any important service for that matter.

Amos was a humble man and not part of the religious or political establishment. He was not one of the "sons of the prophets" (2 Ki. 2:3), but was sovereignly and independently raised up by Jehovah. God uses the humble in order that no flesh may glory in His presence. It would not be the first time He would call a lowly shepherd to confound the mighty. Amos was not just a rustic farmer; he was the prophet of Jehovah by divine calling and anointing. We can learn valuable lessons from those like Amos. God will not allow the flesh to glory or take the credit. He uses those who are busy and faithful in everyday occupations. Whatever our service for the Lord Jesus—big or small—may we be found, like Amos, humble, faithful, and busy for Him.

Brian Reynolds