“We are determined . . . to work and fight until justice rains down like water and righteousness like a mighty stream.” These powerful words are drawn from the Old Testament book of Amos.
Amos, a prophet lived among the people who were involved in religious activities, celebrating festivals and offering sacrifices, but whose hearts were far from God. What the people did was a superficial ceremony not from their heart.
“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. Away with the noise of your songs! I will not listen to the music of your harps.” (Amos 5:21–23)
God rejected their activities because they’d turned away from His commands, including those regarding justice toward the needy and oppressed. Instead of religious ceremonies without love for God and others, so Amos wrote that God longed for His people to demonstrate genuine concern for the welfare of all people—a generous way of living that would be a mighty river bringing life wherever it flowed.
Jesus said “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.”
Heavenly Father, thank You that Your love is like a mighty stream that brings justice to all. Help me to join You in Your healing work.
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