Yesterday, I was having a time of prayer and Bible study before the 6:30 wake-up bell was to sound, requiring every inmate to get up from his bed to be counted...
It's part of the daily routine. But at the time, I'd been reading from the Old Testament book of the prophet, Amos. And while I was doing so, something strange began to occur. It was as if the Lord was reaching into my soul to give me a renewed level of strength and power, which I sensed had been lacking in my life. It was like a fresh fire was beginning to stir in my heart for the things of God.
Yet, none of this seemed to have anything to do with what I'd been reading. I know that Amos was a bold man who was filled with zeal. He was called to preach to a sin-laden nation, and he spoke with great determination because of the love he had for the people. In addition, Amos was only a herdsman and a farmer by trade. He came from a place of obscurity to confront the corrupt politicians and religious officials of his day, calling them, along with all the people, to repentance. Or they would face the judgments of the Lord.
Yet, the religious rulers and almost everyone else withstood Amos. They tried to intimidate the prophet, and they questioned his authority to claim to speak for the God of Israel. He therefore encountered a great amount of rejection and scorn.
As for me, however, I experienced something good, but strange, as well. Yesterday my heart had been empowered from above, and I'm grateful.
D.B.
Yet, none of this seemed to have anything to do with what I'd been reading. I know that Amos was a bold man who was filled with zeal. He was called to preach to a sin-laden nation, and he spoke with great determination because of the love he had for the people. In addition, Amos was only a herdsman and a farmer by trade. He came from a place of obscurity to confront the corrupt politicians and religious officials of his day, calling them, along with all the people, to repentance. Or they would face the judgments of the Lord.
Yet, the religious rulers and almost everyone else withstood Amos. They tried to intimidate the prophet, and they questioned his authority to claim to speak for the God of Israel. He therefore encountered a great amount of rejection and scorn.
As for me, however, I experienced something good, but strange, as well. Yesterday my heart had been empowered from above, and I'm grateful.
D.B.
