Amos 1:1 (ESV Strong's)
The words of Amos, who was among the shepherds of Tekoa, which he saw concerning Israel in the days of Uzziah king of Judah and in the days of Jeroboam the son of Joash, king of Israel, two years before the earthquake.
Subject: God Uses Anyone
If you read Zephaniah you will notice that he was of royal blood. He was the great-great-grandson of King Hezekiah. We give preference in our society to royalty. Even in our age we are intrigued by the royal family in England. We still stand in awe of our presidents, even when we disagree with them, or think I'll of them. They are still our leaders. When someone speaks to us we are introduced with their pedigree; their bio; their qualifications. Imagine at a public speaking situation and the speaker is introduced as a "shepherd." We don't give much credence to "shepherds." Yet, that is occupation of the writer of this prophecy. Amos was a shepherd. God sent him a vision ("... which he saw ..."). We are so fixated on "degrees" and "experience" we would have a hard time believing a shepherd. But, God Word in the mouth of God's chosen servant is an inspired message from God and profitable for doctrine, reproof, correction and instruction in righteousness. God uses all types. Christ used fishermen. When it comes to God's Work we should not be limited in our thinking or stereotypical in who we think can be used by God. We have turned God's servants into professionals. Amos, it is understood, returned to his occupation as a shepherd after delivering this message. As for results to his message, we don't have any indication anyone repented. He calls for repentance and reform. But, he was faithful to deliver the Word and that was all that was necessary. God uses people to deliver His message and that is the role we play. Do it faithful even if you are a shepherd.
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