But the Lord took me from tending the flock and said to me: “Go prophesy to my people Israel. (Amos 7: 15)

Amos was called by God to be a prophet to the Israel nation, but he did not brag about his calling. In fact, he only related the story in answer to the false prophet Amaziah who was telling Amos to get out of Israel and go back to Judah, because he was bringing unpleasant messages. In response to this, Amos revealed his credentials. “The Lord took me from tending the flock and said to me: Go prophesy to my people Israel.”

Originally Amos had been a shepherd and one who tended sycamore-fig trees. But God called him from his farming to deliver a message. It was not to the rich and famous, not to those living in palaces and wearing soft garments, that the Spirit of God came calling. It was to a simple shepherd, a precursor perhaps to the announcement of the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem.

If Christ were here in today’s world as a human figure, His ministry would no doubt be to the street people, the humble beggars and ragged edges of society, the people who are on welfare. And among them the Spirit of God raises modern-day prophets. Within our own congregation is one who was called forth from the spirit of drugs and alcohol to the spirit of sharing God’s word and salvation with whoever will listen. Her calling, like Amos, is not something she brags about—it is simply something she does.

God delights in confounding the wise by calling forth farmers, shepherds, fishermen, tax collectors and the fringe of society to be the spokesperson for providence in today’s world. Why is this? Perhaps because these people, who are genuinely “poor in spirit,” are more likely to be attuned to the whispers of God. Being “poor in spirit,” being empty of the world, leaves a greater capacity within their souls for the grace and ministering of God. We all could use an emptying of the worldliness from our spirits to make room for the callings of God that are happening daily.

Holy God of love, thank You for the callings You give to those who are empty of the world. Help me empty my heart to make room for You!