Who can but prophesy?
October 5, 2019 (Bible Devotional)
The lion hath roared, who will not fear? the Lord GOD hath spoken, who can but prophesy? — Amos 3:8
The lion
In Bible prophecy, a lion has multiple meanings. In the book of Daniel, we see that the lion represented the kingdom of Babylon. This kingdom was the most powerful kingdom of its time. The lion can also have other meanings.
The lion can also stand as a symbol for the enemy of souls. When the lion is presented as an enemy, it is a symbol of Satan. For example, Peter explained that the devil is like a roaring lion. However, there is imagery that stands in contrast to that symbolism. The lion can also represent Jesus himself.
In the book of Revelation, we see that Jesus is introduced as the lion of the tribe of Judah. This lion is the king of all. It is above all. This lion is a protector without a rival.
Who would not fear?
The lion stands at the head of all the predators. No animal can withstand him. This is why when the Lions roar every animal fear. Amos, the prophet, is using this analogy to show that God’s word and prophecies are important. If the natural world trembles at the roaring of a lion, we must take heed to the prophecy of God.
God has spoken
Amos was a herdsman. God called him to be a prophet. Many of the children of Israel wanted him to stop prophesying. But instead, Amos insisted that he will continue to speak as God continues to inspire him. As a prophet of God, he was responsible to share with the people what God has spoken.
Who can but prophesy?
Just like the prophets of old, the current or watchman must speak the word of the Lord. Now of the high time, the day of our salvation is nearer than when we first believed. We must not sit back without a warning the people and helping them to get ready to meet the Lord.
