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7 This is what he showed me: The Lord was standing by a wall that had been built true to plumb, with a plumb line in his hand. 8 And the LORD asked me, “What do you see, Amos?” “A plumb line,” I replied. Then the Lord said, “Look, I am setting a plumb line among my people Israel; I will spare them no longer. 9 “The high places of Isaac will be destroyed and the sanctuaries of Israel will be ruined; with my sword I will rise against the house of Jeroboam.” 10 Then Amaziah the priest of Bethel sent a message to Jeroboam king of Israel: “Amos is raising a conspiracy against you in the very heart of Israel. The land cannot bear all his words. 11 For this is what Amos is saying: “ ‘Jeroboam will die by the sword, and Israel will surely go into exile, away from their native land.’ ” 12 Then Amaziah said to Amos, “Get out, you seer! Go back to the land of Judah. Earn your bread there and do your prophesying there. 13 Don’t prophesy anymore at Bethel, because this is the king’s sanctuary and the temple of the kingdom.” 14 Amos answered Amaziah, “I was neither a prophet nor the son of a prophet, but I was a shepherd, and I also took care of sycamore-fig trees. 15 But the LORD took me from tending the flock and said to me, ‘Go, prophesy to my people Israel.’ (Amos 7:7-15 NIV)
In the city of Harlingen, Texas, there is an all-boys boarding school named The Marine Military Academy. It is for boys in 7-12th grade and has been serving the community since 1965 as the only private school in the world based on the traditions and values of the U.S. Marine Corps and MMA has been home to thousands of young men from across the world and is home to the historic Iwo Jima Monument. A dear friend and member of First Methodist Church was the president of the school during my years as pastor of that church. One thing, of many, that I deeply admired of Col. Glenn Hill was his posture. It did not matter the setting, all the folks in the room would be in different postures, but Col. Hill was the Marine in the room. And in the community, when the young men of that school in stores or dining establishments, were always seated in straight postures. One time we were dining at a fancy restaurant and there was a family near us, and at the head of the table was a MMA student, whose posture and commanding presence was very evident. Thinking about plumb lines, I couldn't help but think of the way all associated with the MMA did not need a plumb line to sit and walk straight. For those who might not know, a plumb line is a tool used to measure vertical alignment—it ensures that what is being built stands straight and true. And now, God is using it to measure His people.
God is not interested in appearances; He cares about integrity. The plumb line represents His standard of justice, righteousness, and faithfulness. Israel had strayed far from that line—neglecting the poor, twisting justice, and turning their backs on His covenant. God’s message through Amos is clear: what is out of alignment must be corrected.
But here’s what makes this passage so powerful. Amos was not a prophet by profession. He wasn’t trained, nor was he from a priestly family. He says plainly, “I was neither a prophet nor the son of a prophet, but I was a shepherd, and I also took care of sycamore-fig trees. But the Lord took me from tending the flock and said to me, ‘Go, prophesy to my people Israel.’” (vv. 14–15)
Amos didn’t volunteer for the spotlight. But when God called, he said yes. And in saying yes, he became a voice for truth in a time of complacency and corruption.
Maybe you don’t see yourself as a “prophet” either. Maybe you feel unqualified or unseen. But God often calls the ordinary to speak into the extraordinary. He places people where they are needed—not because they are perfect, but because they are willing.
PRAYER: God of justice and truth, thank You for calling people like Amos—people like us—to stand with courage and speak with grace. Help me to align my life with Your Word, to listen when You call, and to respond with faith no matter where You send me. May I stand with integrity, speak with love, and live as one who belongs to You. in Christ Jesus' strong name we pray, Amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! OUR CALL TO ACTION: Ask God to reveal where your life may be out of alignment with His truth, and listen for where He may be calling you to speak up or stand firm—even in small, quiet ways.
I love you and I thank God for you!
Pastor Eradio Valverde, Jr.
