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. Don’t prophesy anymore at Bethel, because this is the king’s sanctuary and the temple of the kingdom.”
Amos 7:12-13 (NIV)

There is a theme that runs throughout the Great Story that has to do with the judicious use of words. In Genesis, God creates the universe with words. The ancient sages of the Proverbs remind me to be careful with words, that they have the power to wound and to heal. John introduces Jesus metaphorically as the Word. Jesus said, “I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.”

When Jesus is questioned by the Roman Governor, Pilates ask Jesus “are you the King of the Jews?” Jesus replies that Pilate has just said it himself. It is a strange thing to say, but Jesus points out that there is something spiritually potent in Pilate’s simply speaking the words, even in the form of a question.

Words are important.

In today’s chapter, Amos finds himself in hot water with the nation’s priest, Amaziah. Amos delivers a message that specifically pronounces God’s judgement and the ruin of both the sanctuary and the death of King Jeroboam. Not appreciating being the brunt of Amos’ prognostication of doom, Amaziah tells Amos to get lost, which causes Amos to double-down and tell the high priest how bad it will be for him and his family when the nation is destroyed and carried into exile.

Amos, the cheeky, blue-collar prophet uses the same device in responding to Israel’s high priest that Jesus uses with Pilate. Amaziah sends word to the king, summarizing Amos’ prophetic messages, saying “Israel will surely go into exile, away from their native land.” When Amos declares his prophetic sentence on Amaziah and his family, he ends the prophecy with “Israel will surely go into exile, away from their native land.” In the original Hebrew, it is word-for-word the same. In essence, Amos is saying, “You’ve said it with your own mouth, Amaziah. It will happen just as you have said yourself.“

In the quiet this morning, today’s chapter has me thinking about my words. How have my words wounded others? How have my own words condemned me? Do my words bring blessing and healing to others? When have spoken too many words? When have I remained silent when I should have spoken up?

As I enter into another work week, I’m reminded of my need to be considerate of my words.

If you know anyone who might be encouraged by today’s post, please share.