Godly Wisdom in Country Expressions

by David Shannon

Amos, the sheepbreeder and fruit (sycamore) farmer (7:14) from Tekoa (1:1) was willing to do what the Lord asked him to do. Amos was adamant about his claims to not be a prophet or the son of one (7:14), yet showed no signs of reluctance when God asked him to go from his home in the southern kingdom to prophecy in the northern kingdom. Because of his background he has often been referred to as a "country preacher." The preacher's courage "to go" is to be admired and his message was divine! It is interesting to see the country expressions of speech which are included in his message. The following are just a couple.

You're Tiring Me! Amos 2:13 "Behold, I am weighed down by you, As a cart full of sheaves is weighed down." In the modern age of powerful motors and convenient roads we don't often consider weight as the burden it would have been then. For example, I hauled 1,000 pounds of feed for calves yesterday in a truck and drove several miles out of the way to run a few other errands along the way. How quickly we tire when the weight is being pulled by our power! Have you ever pushed a car up a slight incline?
What tires the Lord? Our rebellion wears upon God! Have you ever talked to parents of a rebel? They become so weary, almost as if they were pulling a heavy cart!

You're Tiring Each Other! Amos 3:3 "Can two walk together, unless they are agreed?" Any laborer knows the importance of people working together if jobs are to be made easier. Can you imagine a pair of oxen or mules hitched to the same load, but pulling in different directions? This would quickly wear out each animal and hinder the production. Full potential is never reached unless folks work together for God's glory!
Israel in their sin had pulled against the will of God. They had already silenced prophets (2:12) and even began living so that heathen nations were noticing their iniquities (3:9-10). The way of the transgressor is hard ( Proverbs 13:15)! It not only wears us out, in another sense it wears God out!

You're Tiring Elders! Remember the same principle is taught in Hebrews 13:17 "Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you." Notice how ungodly living weighs grievously on those who have authority over us. It also hinders good! What is the most tiring activity? Living a life against God! On the other hand, what is refreshing? Living a life for God! "Prepare to meet your God" (4:12)!

February 22, 2004



Godly Wisdom in Country Expressions by David Shannon Amos, the sheepbreeder and fruit (sycamore) farmer (7:14) from Tekoa (1:1) was willing to do what the Lord asked him to do. Amos was adamant about his claims to not be a prophet or the son of one (7:14), yet showed no signs of reluctance when God asked him to go from his home in the southern kingdom to prophecy in the northern kingdom. Because of his background he has often been referred to as a "country preacher." The preacher's courage "to go" is to be admired and his message was divine! It is interesting to see the country expressions of speech which are included in his message. The following are just a couple. You're Tiring Me! Amos 2:13 "Behold, I am weighed down by you, As a cart full of sheaves is weighed down." In the modern age of powerful motors and convenient roads we don't often consider weight as the burden it would have been then. For example, I hauled 1,000 pounds of feed for calves yesterday in a truck and drove several miles out of the way to run a few other errands along the way. How quickly we tire when the weight is being pulled by our power! Have you ever pushed a car up a slight incline? What tires the Lord? Our rebellion wears upon God! Have you ever talked to parents of a rebel? They become so weary, almost as if they were pulling a heavy cart! You're Tiring Each Other! Amos 3:3 "Can two walk together, unless they are agreed?" Any laborer knows the importance of people working together if jobs are to be made easier. Can you imagine a pair of oxen or mules hitched to the same load, but pulling in different directions? This would quickly wear out each animal and hinder the production. Full potential is never reached unless folks work together for God's glory! Israel in their sin had pulled against the will of God. They had already silenced prophets (2:12) and even began living so that heathen nations were noticing their iniquities (3:9-10). The way of the transgressor is hard ( Proverbs 13:15)! It not only wears us out, in another sense it wears God out! You're Tiring Elders! Remember the same principle is taught in Hebrews 13:17 "Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you." Notice how ungodly living weighs grievously on those who have authority over us. It also hinders good! What is the most tiring activity? Living a life against God! On the other hand, what is refreshing? Living a life for God! "Prepare to meet your God" (4:12)! February 22, 2004	Mt. Juliet Church of Christ 1940 N. Mt. Juliet Road P.O.Box 248 Mt.Juliet, TN 37122-0248 (615)758-2274 Fax:615-754-2351 Email Worship Services: Sunday Early Worship: 8AM Sunday Bible Study: 9:15AM Sunday Late Worship: 10:15AM Night Worship: 6PM Wednesday Bible Study: 7PM