The Daily Devotional
Sunday, October 6, 2024
Called to Stewardship
The LORD took me from following the flock, and the LORD said to me, “Go, prophesy to my people Israel.” (Amos 7:15)
Introduction
In Amos 7:15, the Lord declares to Amos, “Go, prophesy to my people Israel.” This simple directive marks a significant shift in Amos’s life—from a shepherd and a dresser of sycamore trees to a prophet tasked with delivering God's messages. This verse opens up a dialogue about divine calling and the transformative power of responding to that call.
Reflection
Amos was not born a prophet, nor did he belong to a prophetic lineage. He was an ordinary laborer, a caretaker of trees, whose life took an extraordinary turn based on divine intervention. His background in nurturing the natural world uniquely positioned him to understand the importance of care and stewardship—themes deeply relevant in our times.
Consider Michigan’s annual "Big Tree Hunt," an event that encourages residents to explore nature and identify the largest trees in their local environments. This endeavor, much like the work of Amos, highlights the importance of stewardship of the natural world. Just as Amos was called to nurture and then to prophesy, participants in the Big Tree Hunt are called to protect and cherish the grandeur of creation around them.
Imagine standing beside a towering eastern white pine, crowned as Michigan's largest tree. Its branches stretch wide, a testament to decades or even centuries of growth. This tree, like the ancient cedars of Lebanon referenced throughout the Bible, symbolizes strength, resilience, and the blessings of creation that demand our respect and care.
Application
What is your "cedar of Lebanon"? What has God placed in your life that calls for your stewardship? Whether it is the environment, a community project, or personal relationships, we are all stewards of the gifts God has entrusted to us. Engaging in activities like the Big Tree Hunt not only connects us with nature but also serves as a metaphor for our broader responsibilities. It's an invitation to appreciate, preserve, and advocate for all of creation.
Conclusion
Amos’s transition from a shepherd to a prophet teaches us that no one is too ordinary to make an impact. By accepting our roles as stewards, we embrace a prophetic duty to care for the world around us. Just as the "Big Tree Hunt" reminds us to look up and recognize the magnificence of creation, our spiritual journey should elevate our gaze and actions towards greater care for our planet and our communities.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, just as You called Amos from among the sycamores, You call each of us from our daily routines to serve You in extraordinary ways. Instill in us a spirit of stewardship for the mighty trees and all elements of Your creation. Grant us the wisdom to see the beauty and duty in our surroundings and the strength to act as protectors and caretakers of the Earth. May our actions reflect our reverence for You as we walk in obedience and love. In Your holy name, we pray. Amen.
Devotional by: Rev. Kenny Sallee, ThM — Deming, NM, USA
The Bible texts are from the New Revised Standard Version Bible (NRSV)© 1989, 1993, the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
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