Let Justice Roll Like a River | Amos 5:24 Devotional

“But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream!” —AMOS 5:21-24

Though knowing what we can of the mind of God is of utmost importance, it is more important that we know and share the heart of God. One of the most gripping statements in all of Scripture is found in Genesis 6:6 where it says, “The LORD was grieved that he had made man on the earth, and his heart was filled with pain.” Unless our hearts are filled with pain for the state of our world, we have not begun to sense the heart of God. 

The history of Israel is marred with periods of insensitivity and disregard for the will of God. Amos was a prophet at a time when both northern and southern kingdoms were living in extravagant indulgence. Oppression of the poor, corruption of judicial procedures, immorality, and total spiritual arrogance were prevalent among the people. And God says, “I hate, I despise your religious feasts; I cannot stand your assemblies… Away with the noise of your songs! I will not listen to the music of your harps. But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream!”

Learning God’s truth is very different from sharing His heart. Learning His truth is non-demanding and relatively easy, but sharing His heart requires action. The mandate of Jesus Christ is that we go into all the world to preach the gospel, but that is to be accompanied by acts of kindness, love, compassion, justice and mercy. These are not meant to prove to people that the gospel is true, but that they are the inevitable natural outworking of the gospel in our lives. 

We are still living in a world of injustice, pain and suffering, and we can sometimes become concerned to preach the gospel to people without concern for meeting them where they are in their lives. In His ministry, Jesus befriended the poor, healed infirmities, ate with sinners and welcomed everyone into relationship with Him. His work was in doing what pleased the Father, both in preaching the gospel and in loving the world. We cannot evangelize the world without caring for it as that negates the love of God within us.

The reality of our spiritual lives will be evidenced in what flows out of us in benefit and blessing to others. The true church of Jesus Christ does not consist primarily of ideas, doctrine and truth, but of the essential outworking of God flowing into our homes, neighbourhoods, communities, cities and around the world. As Christians, we are placed in the world so that we may become the salt and light that brings the love of God to a needy world.

Dear heavenly Father, I want to share in your heart for this world. Fill me with your love and compassion, and use me, Lord, for your work in it. Thank You. 

In what areas am I moved to be of service to God for His work in this world?