The Prophet's Call

The following was presented at the International Center of The Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod on  Tuesday, July 17, 2012.  The text is from Amos 7:7-15.


The prophet’s task has never been simple.  An eloquent expression of it flows from the pen of Martin Franzmann: 

“Preach you the Word and plant it home

To men who like or like it not,

The Word that shall endure and stand

When flowers and men shall be forgot” (LSB 586:1). 

Amos preached to men who liked it not.  His message was one of judgment on Israel and her idolatrous worship.  When Israel split, King Jeroboam established Bethel as a shrine to keep his people from making a pilgrimage south to Jerusalem.  The northern monarchy had no problem mixing church and state.  Golden calves were erected as symbols of the deity who led them out of Egypt.  The revolt against the Lord at Sinai was renewed in Bethel.

                The prophet saw a vision of the Lord holding a plumb line in His hand.  God was placing it in the midst of His people Israel.  The false worship sponsored by the house of Jeroboam will end.  The shrines and religious high places will become desolate, the land laid waste.  Amaziah, the priest of Bethel, protests.  He does not welcome such a prophecy in his presence.  He tattles on Amos to Jeroboam the king.  Before the king can issue a reply, Amaziah tells Amos to go back home and prophesy there.  Bethel is the king’s sanctuary and it is the temple of the kingdom.  Note carefully.  It is not God’s sanctuary nor His temple but that of the earthly ruler and his line.  Playing church is not being church.  God’s judgment falls on impostors and personal kingdom builders.

                Speaking truth to governmental leaders is never easy.  Ask President Harrison who made the good confession before Congress.  Politics and religion have clashed throughout history.  The state does not like to be told that it is in error or does not have the backing of the Almighty.  Nevertheless the Church must speak – boldly, confidently – assured that her Lord stands with those who are faithful to “the Word that shall endure and stand when flowers and men shall be forgot.”

                The evil foe is consistent with his attacks on the church throughout the ages.  If you can’t discredit the message, destroy the messenger.  Blame it on the delusions of a sinful, misguided prophet who really doesn’t know what he is saying.  Appeal to the glory of what man has built and accomplished.  Amos did not back down.  He quotes the Lord who said to him:  “Go, prophesy to My people Israel” (Amos 7:15).  Jesus commends Amos and all the faithful when He says:  Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you on My account.  Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven (Matthew 5:11-12).  As for the church today:

                        Preach you the Word and plant it home

And never faint, the Harvest Lord

Who gave the sower seed to sow

Will watch and tend His planted Word (LSB 586:6), Amen.