Amos’ words to the people came after he had called them to repent. God had given Amos a vision of what was going to happen to the nation of Israel. This section is warning them of the coming judgment. Now, it speaks wisdom to us to as our new theme is “Living as God Desires.”
What speaks to you in today’s reading? While we’re not using burnt offerings and sacrifices much these days, there are plenty of examples of putting on a show with our worship. Anything from fog machines to high church ritualistic dirges can cloud our true allegiance.
I don’t think it matters whether a congregation is more contemporary or traditional. There are traps we can easily fall into no matter what the worship style. We need to remember God is looking at our hearts. Where does our striving for excellence come from? Is it to please God or man? Is it to bring attention to ourselves or to God?
Maybe the question we should be is asking is, “how are we approaching the throne of God?” Is it with reverence and awe? Are we just going through the motions because that’s the way we’ve always done it? That’s a biggie for me. Even as a child (not to mention what I saw as a pastor’s wife), it was apparent to me that people find comfort in their “traditions.”  Where the baptism fount is placed, how many hymns before and after the sermon, robes or no robes for the choir and pastor, drums and guitar or organ only, short sermons so nobody has to leave to use the restroom, etc. Does it matter to God? Did we even ask him?
I did have a hard time with the reference to music. “Away with your noisy hymns of praise!” Is God not listening? When I’m leading worship, I try to focus on God as if he is my only audience. He is certainly the audience that matters. Let’s see this as a reminder to us to be careful in our worship and to remember to please who we are worshiping.
What does God want from us according to this passage? “I want to see a mighty flood of justice, an endless river of righteous living.” If we are focused on righteous living, then our desire for justice should be strong and mighty.
We see so many injustices around us in our world. I don’t intend to get political here, but I do believe we are not always addressing the injustices in a manner pleasing to God. If we are living our lives so that being “right with God” is our goal, then we should also expect a mighty flood of justice to follow. Do you agree?
Jesus taught us to forgive, to love each other, and not to payback when hurt by others. There will be times when we face ridicule or persecution for our faithfulness and attempts to show mercy and bring justice. Matthew 7:12 says, “Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you. This is the essence of all that is taught in the law and the prophets.”
Let’s pray. Father, cleanse my heart and make me clean. Help me to focus on you and doing what is pleasing to you. May your justice rule and bring all oppressors to their knees. May you reign in my heart. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
