Compared to Jonah we don't hear a lot about Amos. Both were called by God to preach a message of repentance to wayward people. Amos was obedient to God's call whereas initially Jonah was not.
Amos came from Tekoa in Judah; it was a small mountain village south of Jerusalem. God sent him to Israel to warn the people of the coming judgment. It was a tough task since Israel was enjoying a time of prosperity. However, every king of Israel since Solomon had been evil.
Amos’ messages were not well received. Archaeological digs have since revealed Israel’s prosperity and also an unprecedented level of social corruption. Nevertheless, people were not interested in listening to Amos. They expected everything to continue as it was. History tells that Israel did not repent and were eventually taken captive and sent into exile.
Amos had good reason not to prophesy to Israel. He was a shepherd, not a prophet (Amos 7:14). He was from "the hills". Israel wasn't interested in listening and even told him to go home and stop prophesying against Israel (Amos 7:12). Still nowhere do we see Amos complaining or running in the other direction like Jonah. He was faithful in the task that God gave him to do. He didn't get a lot of applause, not then and not now.
Amos was a quiet achiever and a great encouragement to us. Sometimes God asks us to do things where we feel incompetent; sometimes God asks us to do things that others would excel at; sometimes God asks us to do things that are unpopular. Nevertheless, as we fulfill the task God has for us, we will experience his enabling and know that we have made a difference in eternity.
