Moment With The Master
“A Mighty Stream”
Categories: Moment With The MasterBut let justice run down like water, And righteousness like a mighty stream. (Amos 5:24)
The message of Amos came from God during a time of luxury and great prosperity for Israel. However, because of her moral and religious corruption judgment from the Assyrian nation was on the horizon. Amos’ call to repentance also includes a warning of impending doom, if they failed to listen to God.
There seems to be a dispute regarding the meaning and application of the verse above. Some view the passage as a call for Israel to change her ways; for the nation to cease from her hypocritical festivals, meaningless sacrifices, and hollow songs. Others, view the passage as the certainty and the nature of God’s judgment on Israel. (See verse 18, 27) I lean toward the latter view.
The sacrifices and ceremonial observances had not drawn Israel closer to God. Their worship was not backed by righteous lives. God desired more than “the noise of songs”. True love for God will include acts of worship accompanied by expressions of genuine care for others and moral purity. This was missing from Israel, and is also missing from the religious climate of our society and churches.
The shallow services of Israel was deserving of God’s judgment. Whether a simple omission of God’s positive precepts or a willful mockery of the Law Giver, both required God’s just and right response. This was God’s promise for Israel.
The figure of water and the mighty stream conjures the imagination, especially if one has ever experienced the effects of a flood. The swelling river sweeps away every person or thing in its path. It is relentless and impossible to stop. Such would be God‘s judgment upon Israel.
The effect of God’s justice is twofold. First, God will purge the people of all of their immorality. Their sham assemblies, hypocritical sacrifices, and idols will come to a halt. Meanwhile, water can also have a purifying effect, leaving a fertile soil for the work of a righteous remnant.
The Bible says: “Righteousness exalts a nation, But sin is a reproach to any people.” ( Proverbs 14:34) Nothing good can come from insincere religious observances, and an unprincipled, immoral people. But, from God's justice right principles may be established, and good will result. I fear our nation is no better than Israel of old. How long will God put up with our nation? Only he knows.
George Slover
