God's Glory Church

“And the Lord took me from the flock, and the Lord said to me: Go, prophesy.” — Amos 7:15

Michigan has fourteen billion trees, most of which are quite common. Therefore, there is an annual “Big Tree Hunt” held there – a competition to determine the oldest and largest trees that can be considered a living monument. The competition raises ordinary trees to another level: in any forest there can be a “winner” just waiting to be noticed.

Unlike most people, God always notices the ordinary. He does not care about those who are overlooked by others. During the reign of Jeroboam, God sent a simple man named Amos to Israel, who began to call the people to turn away from evil and seek justice. However, he was forced to shut up. “Clearly, go, escape to the land of Judah… and prophesy there,” people said with contempt (Am. 7:12). Amos answered: “I am not a prophet, and I am not the son of prophets – I am a shepherd and a cultivator of wild fig trees. And the Lord took me from the flock, and the Lord said to me: Go, prophesy to My people Israel” (vv. 14-15).

God knew and noticed Amos when he was an ordinary shepherd tending flocks and trees. After hundreds of years, the Lord Jesus noticed and called Nathanael (Jn. 1:48) and Zacchaeus (Lk. 19:4-5) near the fig trees. No matter how unknown we feel, God sees us, loves us, and uses us for His purposes.

Why is it sometimes hard to believe that God sees you as a person? How does His knowledge of you inform you of His love?

Dear God, thank you for loving me even though I feel insignificant.

Author: Karen Pimpo