C A C Sunday School Manual June 29, 2025 Lesson 24: Title - God Prepares Old Testament Prophet For Leadership ( IV)

C A C Sunday School Manual June 29, 2025 Lesson 24: Title - God Prepares Old Testament Prophet For Leadership ( IV)

Theme *PREPARING GOD'S PEOPLE for LEADERSHIP

 LESSON 24

Unit 3: Leadership Preparation In The Old Testament (II) 

Topic: GOD PREPARES OLD TESTAMENT PROPHETS FOR LEADERSHIP (IV)

Memory Scripture

Then Amos answered, and said to Amaziah: "I was no prophet, nor was I a son of a prophet, but I was a sheepbreeder and a tender of sycamore fruit" (Amos 7:14). 

God transforms ordinary people into extraordinary leaders, like Amos and Jonah, for His divine purposes. This shows His ability to empower and prepare those He calls.

Without any special preparation, education, or upbringing, Amos obeyed God's call to "go and prophesy to my people in Israel." Obedience is the test of a faithful servant of God. Are you obeying God's call to you?*

BRIEF COMMENT

In Prophet Amos' response to Amaziah, he emphasised that he was I neither a prophet nor the son of a prophet. He was only a sheep breeder with no priestly or prophetic ministerial background. Yet, God was using the act of sheep breeding to build and prepare him for a leadership task over His people. Just as David was tending his father's flock, yet it was God's way of preparing him for kingship over His people. Similarly, Christ took Matthew from being a tax collector, Peter and others from fishing, and made them His disciples for leadership according to His purpose. That is how God prepares His vessels from what they were doing into what they should be doing. It seems God rarely calls idle people; He loves to use people's present occupation or situation to prepare them for future leadership exploits.

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS

 1. Our present experiences, positive or negative, can shape us into the leaders God desires, if we are sensitive.

 2. God does not seek leaders for titles, but those who will lead His people aright, following His instructions. 

 BACKGROUND SCRIPTURE: Romans 8:18

For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

*AIM:* To show how God prepared Amos and Jonah for leadership over His people, and their individual responses.

*INTRODUCTION* 

 *TEXTUAL SOURCE: Amos 1:1-2; 7:14-15; Jonah 1:1-3, 15; 2:1ff*

This week's lesson marks the fourth episode in the series "GOD PREPARES OLD TESTAMENT PROPHETS FOR LEADERSHIP," focusing prominently on Amos and Jonah as the Old Testament prophets to be examined regarding how God prepared them for the task of leading His people at the time, as well as their individual responses. May our hearts and spiritual eyes be opened to understand and internalise the lessons therein for our walk with Him, as we too are being prepared for divine leadership tasks ahead. Amen!

*LESSON OUTLINE* 

I. AMOS' PREPARATION 

II. JONAH'S PREPARATION

*LESSON EXPOSITION* 

 *I. AMOS' PREPARATION (Amos 1:1-2; 7:14-15)* 

The words of Amos, who was among the sheepbreeders of Tekoa, which he saw concerning Israel in the days of Uzziah king of Judah (1:1a).

*LET'S SUMMARISE AMOS 1:1- 2*

1:1 Amos was a shepherd and fig grower from the southern kingdom (Judah), but he prophesied to the northem kingdom (Israel). Israel was politically at the height of its power with a prosperous economy, but the nation was spiritually corrupt Idols were worshiped throughout the land and especially at Bethel, which was supposed to be the nation's religious center. Like Hosea, Amos was sent by God to denounce this social and religious corruption. About 30 or 40 years after Amos prophe- sied, Assyria destroyed the capital city, Samaria, and conquered Israel (722 B.C.). Uzziah reigned in Judah from 792-740; Jero- boam II reigned in Israel from 793-753. 

1:1 Tekoa, Amos's hometown, was located in the rugged sheep country of Judah, about 10 miles south of Jerusalem. Long before Amos was born, a woman of Tekoa had helped reconcile David and his rebeljous son, Absalom (2 Samuel 14:1-23). 

1:1 Amos raised sheep-not a particularly "spiritual" job; yet he became a channel of God's message to others. Your job may not cause you to feel spiritual or successful, but it is vital work if you are in the place God wants you to be. God can work through you to do extraordinary things, no matter how ordinary your occupation. 

1:1 The book of Zechariah and other historical records from this period mention an earthquake that occurred at this time (Zechariah 14:5). 

1:2 In the Bible, God is often pictured as a shepherd and his people as sheep. As a shepherd, God leads and protects his flock. But here God is depicted as a ferocious lion ready to devour those who are evil or unfaithful (see also Hosea 11:10). 

1:2 Carmel means "fertile field.* It was a very fertile area. A drought capable of drying up this area would have to be quite severe.

a) 1:1: Amos was a shepherd before his prophetic calling. Like David (1 Sam. 16:11-13), God used shepherding to prepare him for leadership roles. 

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The work of God is not an alternative you must be called by God. Most of ministers does not have any specific work before venture into the ministry and they see it as opportunity to keep themselves busy. What are you doing before you were called into the ministry.

b) Tekoa's location, renowned for sheep and goat farming, indicates Amos's expertise as a shepherd in a prime location. God strategically positioned him for leadership preparation (cf. Psa. 23:1; Ezk. 34:14).

c) v. 2: Amos's message that carries the tone of a shepherd illustrated how God drew from his experience as a shepherd to effectively communicate divine judgement (cf. Psa. 23:2-4; Ezk. 34:12). 

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Every godly experiences you have before joining the fold is a plus and God will also use it to interpret His message and MASTER plan through you for humanity. The blueprint of God can only be read by those who were called and led through the Holy Spirit. Don't be a minister overnight because nothing is working for you as expected.

*AVAILABLE BUT NOT NEEDED* 

You may be available to lead the sheeps but you may not be needed in that position.

d) vv. 3ff: Amos, like David, fearlessly declared God's judgement, drawing strength from his experiences in protecting sheep from wild animals (cf. 1 Sam. 17:34-36; Psa. 23:5-6). 

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1:3ff Amos pronounced God's judgment on nation after nation around Israel's borders-even Judah. Perhaps the people of Israel cheered when they heard the rebukes leveled against those nations. But then Amos proclaimed God's judgment on the people of Israel. They could not excuse their own sin just because the sins of their neighbors seemed worse. God is no respecter of persons. He judges all people fairly and impartially. 

1:3ff The accusation "The people... have sinned again and again, and I will not let them go unpunished" echoes through these verses as God evaluates nation after nation. Each nation had persistently refused to follow God's commands. A sinful practice can become a way of life. Ignoring or denying the problem will not help us. We must begin the process of correction by confessing our sins to God and asking him to forgive us. Otherwise we have no hope but to continue our pattern of sin.

How many servant of God can fearlessly declare God's judgment in our churches today? Fear of "they may leave/stop helping my ministry" have exchanged the mind of God!

e) 7:12-15: His response to Amaziah's challenge proved that his prophetic calling was directly from God, not influenced by man. It points to God's unusual methods in selecting leaders (Matt. 4:18-20; 1 Cor. 1:27-29).

f) Like Amos, many ministers may not have been trained in seminaries but are prepared by God through various professions and fields. God sovereignty selects and equips leaders for His purposes (Exod. 3:1-10; Psa. 115:3; Acts 9:1-6). 

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Attending Seminary with great qualifications in different fields does not make you a servant of God (good shepherd) unless you're called and equip by God Himself.

Please note: For the fact that you have not attended any Seminary does not mean you are not qualified from doing the work of God even after your divine calling. The best Seminary you needed is to allow Holy Spirit to reveal the mind of God for His people. WITHOUT A MESSAGE FROM GOD YOU'RE LIKE A MESSANGER WITHOUT A MESSAGE.

No Seminary can give you God's message but can only guide you on how to approach and handle God's message in your ministerial assignment.

It will be very difficult when you see someone that paraded his/herself as a graduate of well recognized Seminary still his/her life is more dangerous and wicked than those who have not even attended one. Attending seminary is not important like when you have a notable encounter with Jesus Christ the SAVIOUR that truly change your life and character.

Many people just need Seminary certificate for recognition and recommendations not for God's purpose.

Becoming holder of PhD, Master, Degree Pastoral Training in Theology without godly characters is a waste of time and money. Ordinary evangelist or teacher with godly characters are better than you.

g) Tekoa, 10 miles south of Jerusalem, was perfect for raising sheep and goats. Amos, a renowned expert in the field, was more than just a part- time shepherd. Shepherding in the Bible times became a very potent means by which God prepared Amos for prophetic leadership.

*II. JONAH'S PREPARATION (Jonah 1:1-3)* 

Now the word of the LORD came to Jonah the son of Amittai... (v. 1).

*WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT JONAH*

Few Old Testament personalities can compare in transparency with the prophet Jonah. We can see right through him. And most of what we see we don't like. He reminds us foo much of ourselves: fearful, selfish, spiteful, and proud. 

Even when Jonah wasn't physically running away from God, he was still resisting on the inside. He was quite capable of putting on a show of obedience to cover a seething internal mutiny. When he finally arrived in Nineveh with God's message, he delivered it as a summary judgment. He offered no way of escape. Jonah flatly declared the city's destruction. 

Jonah knew (as he admitted later) that God was "a merciful and compassionate God, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love..... eager to turn back from destroying people" (4:2). He hoped the Ninevites wouldn't listen and was offended and resentful when they did. Jonah suffered under the painful mistake of assuming that he was the center of the universe. 

Some people do not even think about God until they become angry. Discouragement, disappointment and disgust seem to clear away the haziness around God and we're all too eager to blame him for our troubles. God bluntly confronted Jonah with the reality of his disobedience, the pettiness of his demand for comfort, and the sinfulness of his blatant disregard for others. The wonderful character of God that Jonah wanted to withhold from the Ninevites, he himself had been taking for granted. 

Fortunately, God will be just as blunt with us. He will shatter our comfort if that will place us in the best place to meet him. As long as we are surrounded by our sense of control and importance, we will not know God as God. What has God done lately in your life to open your eyes a little wider? 

 *Strengths and accomplishments* 

* Was sent (and finally went) to an enemy nation with God's message 

* Survived an encounter with a large fish 

* Was instrumental in the repentance of the population of a huge city, keeping it from destruction 

 *Weaknesses and mistakes* 

* Thought he could avoid God's call in his life by running away 

* Thought he could avoid God's call by sacrificing himself 

* Thought he could avoid God's call by belligerent obedience 

* Thought he could nullify God's call by sulking 

 *Lessons from his life* 

* God cares deeply for us as well as for people we resent and hate 

* God will accomplish his purposes, even through reluctant and unwilling servants 

* God is patient with sinners and patient with his servants 

 *Vital statistics* 

* Where: Gath-hepher 

* Occupation: Prophet 

* Relatives: Father: Amittai 

 *Key verse* 

"But Jonah got up and went in the opposite direction to get away from the LORD. He went down to the port of Joppa, where he found a ship leaving for Tarshish. He bought a ticket and went on board, hoping to escape from the LORD by sailing to Tarshish" (Jonah 1:3). Jonah's story is told in the book of Jonah. 

He is also mentioned in 2 Kings 14:25; Matthew 12:39-41; 16:4; and Luke 11:29, 32.

*SUMMARY Jonah 1:1-3* 

1:1, 2 Jonah is mentioned in 2 Kings 14:25. He prophesied during the reign of Jeroboam II, the king of Israel from 793 to 753 B.C. He may have been a member of the company of prophets mentioned in connection with Elisha's ministry (2 Kings 2:3). 

God told Jonah to preach to Nineveh, the most important city in Assyria, the rising world power of Jonah's day. Within 50 years, Nineveh would become the capital of the vast Assyrian Empire. Jonah doesn't say much about Nineveh's wickedness, but the prophet Nahum gives us more insight. Nahum says that Nineveh was guilty of 

(1) evil plots against God (Nahum 1:9); 

(2) exploitation of the helpless (Nahum 2:12); 

(3) cruelty in war (Nahum 2:12, 13); 

(4) idolatry, prostitution, and witch- craft (Nahum 3:4). God told Jonah to go to Nineveh, about 500 miles northeast of Israel, to warn of judgment and to declare that the people could receive mercy and forgiveness if they repented.

1:3 Nineveh was a powerful and wicked city. Jonah had grown up hating the Assyrians and fearing their atrocities. His hatred was so strong that he didn't want them to receive God's mercy. Jonah was actually afraid the people would repent (4:2, 3). Jonah's attitude is representative of Israel's reluctance to share God's love and mercy with others, even though this was their God-given mission (Genesis 12:3). They, like Jonah, did not want non-Jews (Gentiles) to obtain God's favor. 

1:3 Jonah knew that God had a specific job for him, but he didn't want to do it. Tarshish could be one of any number of Phoenicia's western ports. Nineveh was toward the east. Jonah decided to go as far west as he could. When God gives us directions through his Word, sometimes we run in fear or in stubbornness, claiming that God is asking too much. It may have been fear or anger at the wideness of God's mercy that made Jonah run. But running got him into worse trouble. In the end, Jonah understood that it is best to do what God asks in the first place. But by then he had paid a costly price for running. It is far better to obey from the start.

a) The book of Jonah recounts the prophet's journey, teaching believers humility through his foolish behaviour and eventual acceptance of God's will. 

b) v. 1: His name means "dove" that should be gentle. But was he really 'gentle' with God's purpose? Doesn't that ring bells concerning his level of cooperation with YAHWEH in the school of discipleship?

c) ...the word of the LORD came to Jonah... shows the divine Source of the Word that came to Jonah. God equipped him with a major thing he needed the right message (cf. 2 Tim. 2:15).

 d) v. 2: Jonah's deliberate disobedience to God's instruction might be a strong pointer to the fact that he wasn't patient enough for a proper discipleship and mentoring. Sadly today, this is a common issue among ministers. 

e) v. 3: A well-groomed disciple of the Lord wouldn't rebel against God's will. It only further demonstrated Jonah's unpreparedness for the task ahead. How prepared are you for God's purposes? 

f) v. 15; 2:1ff: God used the 3-day experience in the belly of the fish to teach Jonah some lessons on loyalty and obedience. He obeyed and surrendered on 'release' from the 'prison.' Your response to God's instructions reflects your level of submission and preparedness for leadership roles. 

g) Amittai (meaning "truthful") of Gath Hepher (2 Kgs. 14:25) was Jonah's father. His influence on Jonah's upbringing is unclear because little or nothing is known about him. There are no details of his actions in the Bible.

LESSONS DERIVED

 1. Your job and life experiences can help prepare you for what God wants in the future.

 2. Reluctantly obeying God shows you are uncooked, not ready and won't be rewarded by Him.

*QUESTIONS* 

 1. How did God prepare Amos for leadership in Israel?

 2. What lessons did you learn from Jonah in this lesson?

Thank you for joining us today. May God grant us a retentive memories in Jesus name. Amen

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