But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream! Amos 5:24 NIV
Read Amos 5:18-27
We’ve all heard the expression, “The rich get richer, and the poor get poorer.” While we see it happening increasingly today, it’s an ancient phenomenon. The passage for today was written by the prophet Amos during the eighth century B.C.E. The upper class in Israel was exploiting the poor, exploiting borrowers, and trapping them in debt slavery. Does any of this sound familiar?
Amos denounces the hypocrisy of pious worship by those who perpetrate exploitation. God had given his chosen people the Law–rules on how to act justly, love others, and live with integrity, yet they were rebelling against what was commanded. They would put on a pretension of being God’s people; they had no problem with celebrating the festivals and offering sacrifice–while overlooking what God desired, their hearts. But God was not fooled, “I hate, I despise your religious festivals; your assemblies are a stench to me. Even though you bring me burnt offerings and grain offerings, I will not accept them. Though you bring choice fellowship offerings, I will have no regard for them.” (v. 21-22)
Amos warns them of a day when this will be corrected–God will no longer tolerate their hypocrisy. Israel’s disobedience and failure to repent ultimately led to its downfall less than 200 years later when Babylon conquered Jerusalem and exiled many of its people to foreign lands.
Like ancient Israel, modern societies face economic inequality, exploitation, and hypocrisy issues. The call for social justice and ethical behavior remains relevant today, and Amos’s message serves as a timeless reminder to seek justice, love others, and live with integrity. Though we don’t know the timing or the form this correction will take, we can be assured it will. A day of the Lord is coming; when it does, justice and righteousness will reign supreme.
Heavenly Father,
We come before You with humble hearts, seeking Your wisdom and guidance.
As we reflect on the words of Your prophet Amos, we recognize the gravity of our actions and the need for true repentance.
Lord, You have shown us through Amos that mere rituals and offerings are not enough when our hearts are far from You. You desire justice to flow like a river and righteousness like an everlasting stream.
Help us to turn away from empty ceremonies and to embrace a life of genuine faith and service. May our worship please You, not just in song and word, but in deed and truth.
We pray for the courage to stand against injustice, to defend the oppressed, and to offer love and compassion to all. May our lives reflect Your light in this world of darkness.
In the name of Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen.
Blessings,
Pastor Tim
