The Scriptures reveal an intense conversation between God and His shepherd prophet, Amos. Amos was
called to prophecy during the reigns of Uzziah (792-740 B.C.) in the Southern Kingdom and Jeroboam II (793-753 B.C.) in the north.
The hot wrath of God is kindled against the nation of Israel because they have sinned…
They have sold the righteous for silver, and they have traded the needy for a pair of sandals. They have trampled on the heads of the poor like an ordinary traveler walks on the dust of the ground. They have denied justice to the oppressed. They have taken bribes from the poor and they have deprived them justice in the courts.
God went on to say, “Hate evil. Love good. Maintain justice in the courts.”
Whenever a people turn justice into poison, this transgression awakens the ire of Almighty God. He rises up to defend the poor and heal the bruising of the needy. Our great God, the One who touches the earth and it melts. The One who builds His upper chamber in the Heavens and founds His vault upon the earth; who calls forth the waters of the sea and pours them out upon the surface of the earth, this Glorious, Majestic Ruler of the Universe rises up to break the stride of those who oppress the poor laborer even while the sun at its summit blisters his brow.
God gave a specific word to those who oppress the poor, who delight in crushing the needy, even while they themselves spend their days basking in the fruit of their tyranny. To those who spend themselves in merriment while the treachery of injustice is passed over the poor – beware. God rises up! He always rises up. He rises up to heal the broken, to meet the needs of the hurting, and to defend the poor.
Especially to those who are at ease in Zion, feeling secure in their nationally recognized posts – beware, God does not hear the noise of your songs. He does not see your sacrifices, and He despises your celebrations and assemblies.
However, to wake God’s favor – He declared, “Let Justice roll down like water and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.” Get justice, mercy, grace and love flowing into the national life of your people and I will restore you. That’s God’s words of promise. He went on to say, "the days are coming… when the plowman shall overtake the reaper and the treader of grapes him who sows the seed. The mountains shall drip sweet wine, and all the hills shall flow with it. I will restore the fortunes of My people…”
Believer, find someone today to show God’s love to. Let your actions be a representative of His Mercy and His Justice. Don’t hide your light in a corner… but let your light shine for a God who cares about the social ills of our society! Feed a hungry person today. Buy a bottle of water for a thirsty man today. Give $20.00 to someone who needs gas money today. Let justice roll down like water from your life and watch the favor of God and His power – rise up for you today!
My prayer today is that we come together to form an all-powerful army of Holy Spirit anointed ministers of justice and mercy!
WEHII
* References: Book of Amos
