Let Justice Roll Down Like Waters

God's Urgent Call
Calling of Prophets

Amos's Call 

Amos 5:18-24 The Message

Time to Face Hard Reality, Not Fantasy

18-20 Woe to all of you who want God’s Judgment Day!
    Why would you want to see God, want him to come?
When God comes, it will be bad news before it’s good news,
    the worst of times, not the best of times.
Here’s what it’s like: A man runs from a lion
    right into the jaws of a bear.
A woman goes home after a hard day’s work
    and is raped by a neighbor.
At God’s coming we face hard reality, not fantasy—
    a black cloud with no silver lining.
21-24 “I can’t stand your religious meetings.
    I’m fed up with your conferences and conventions.
I want nothing to do with your religion projects,
    your pretentious slogans and goals.
I’m sick of your fund-raising schemes,
    your public relations and image making.
I’ve had all I can take of your noisy ego-music.
    When was the last time you sang to me?
Do you know what I want?
    I want justice—oceans of it.
I want fairness—rivers of it.
    That’s what I want. That’s all I want.

For Reflection

We sing God's Glory.  We assert God's sovereignty. We meet each Sabbath in God's name. We Pray for God's Blessing. We sing in tribute to God. Is God so insecure that God needs such adoration?

I think not! God doesn't need our praise or adoration.  Such prayers are for ourselves so that we remember who God is and define our commitment and relationship to God. God wants our collaboration in forming Gods Kingdom on Earth. Wants our action.  God wants us to foster justice.

Social justice and distributive justice is not a liberal agenda nor a nieve fantasy, anti-government, anti-economic growth, or any number of misdirected allegations from those who want to keep things just as they are.  It is a deep seated Christian imperative. Inspired by Jesus, social justice is a deeply spiritual practice.  How are you contributing to a fair and just world?

Pray

Pray prayers of worship to God so that you will remember your story of God's love. Pray prayers of thanksgiving and praise so that you will be centered in your faith.  Pray that you will glorify God through acts of justice, empowerment, and love.