Righteousness is Like a Never-Failing Stream
Amos 5:24 - “But let judgment run down as waters, and righteousness as mighty stream.”
Amos was a prophet who lived among shepherds in Tekoa, a small town about ten miles south of Jerusalem. Unlike many other prophets, he did not come from a family of prophets and did not consider himself one. Instead, he was a simple farmer and shepherd, which influenced his prophecies. His heart was for the oppressed and voiceless in the world.
Amos prophesied during the reigns of Uzziah, king of Judah, and Jeroboam, king of Israel. This was around the 8th century BC. Despite being from the southern kingdom of Judah, Amos delivered his prophecies against the northern kingdom of Israel and the surrounding nations. Amos’s message is still a wake-up call for today’s generation. While other prophets mixed redemption and restoration in their prophecies, Amos primarily focused on judgment. He rebuked the privileged people of Israel for their mistreatment of others. Likewise, it is still relevant to people who have lost their way, neglecting justice and righteousness.
We are also reminded that justice and righteousness are virtues and not just concepts. Both should flow in the tapestry of our lives like a mighty river. These two are inseparable - they go hand in hand. Imagine a river - its waters constantly moving, shaping the landscape and providing life.Similarly, justice should be active, transformative, and life-giving. It’s not stagnant; it’s dynamic.
As followers of Christ, we are called to seek justice for the oppressed, the marginalized and the vulnerable. In our present day situations, everyday is filled with subtle yet impactful injustices. Believers are not exempt from such. Some are unintentional acts of discrimination or bias. They can include comments, gestures or behaviors that marginalize or stereotype us based on our age, gender, ethnicity or other characteristics.
In Amos 5:24, we can see a vivid picture of righteousness as an unending flow, much like a never-failing stream. Righteousness is more than following rules; it’s a heart’s posture. It is living in alignment with God’s character and His ways. Just as the stream never dries up, our pursuit of righteousness should be unwavering. It’s not occasional or seasonal.
As children and servants of God, we are also called to be channels of justice and righteousness. We are ambassadors of goodwill for the Lord, and we have the responsibility to represent Him and share His message of salvation and reconciliation with others as stated in II Corinthians 5:20. We are to stand against injustice, and always advocate for the voiceless and live righteously. Our lives must overflow with compassion, loving-kindness and integrity.
Ultimately, we are inspired by this verse because it reveals God’s heart for He desires justice for His creation and He delights in righteousness, When we obey God’s Word and align ourselves with His heart, we become vessels through which His justice and righteousness flow into our family, in the church, in the community and in our country. Micah 5:8 says, “He hath showed thee, O man, what is good, and what doth the Lord require of thee, but ti do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God.” Also in Isaiah 1:17, we are reminded to, “Learn to do well, seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow.” And let us remember Proverbs 21:3 which says, “To do justice and judgment is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.
Our Prayer for Today:
Our Father in Heaven, we thank you for the gift of a new day. I surrender this day to You. May Your will be done in our life. Help us to be just and righteous in everything we think, decide and do. Fill us with the Holy Spirit as we face challenges with courage and with Your grace. Use us Lord for Your glory and let Your love flow through us. Lead us Lord in the paths of righteousness, and let us experience once more Your holy presence today. In Jesus’ name, Amen.