TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
“But let justice roll on like a river; righteousness like a never-failing stream!” (Amos 5:24).
Amos was a shepherd and farmer from Judah when the Lord called him to preach to the northern kingdom of Israel and warn them of impending doom. Because of their sins and their unfaithfulness to the Lord, they were living in opposition to God. Not only did individuals in Israel sin, but their entire society oppressed the poor, and took advantage of the weak.
Even though he was largely uneducated, Amos made himself available to God. He began his prophecy by pronouncing doom upon the nations surrounding Israel. I can imagine the people gleefully listening to Amos, as he preaches a scathing rebuke to these idolatrous lands. His hearers are riveted though, when Amos turns on the crowd, proclaiming that Israel is also under the judgment of God and will be taken captive and destroyed.
As you read our focal verse for today, make sure you are very careful to treat the poor, the weak, and the oppressed with dignity. Make sure you are fair and compassionate in your dealings with everyone. Make sure that you treat others with the love and mercy of Jesus. Remember the words of Jesus when He said, “In as much as you have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, you have done it unto me.” (Matthew 25:40)