Our reading may seem a bit obscure at first, so it’s helpful to have a little context. Amos was a prophet living in the time of the more well-known prophet, Isaiah, who was used by God to warn the Israelite people of coming destruction. Amos also brought this warning to the people, and just verses before, he was pleading with the people to repent.
Despite being part of a section warning people of the coming judgment, Amos speaks wisdom to us in support of our theme, “Living as God Desires.” What do we see in that regard? Just a few verses earlier, in verses 14 and 15, Amos says this in his cry to repent: “Do what is good and run from evil so that you may live! Then the Lord God of Heaven’s Armies will be your helper, just as you have claimed. Hate evil and love what is good; turn your courts into true halls of justice. Perhaps even yet the Lord God of Heaven’s Armies will have mercy on the remnant of his people.”
It can be confusing when we read about the sacrificial system in the Old Testament. It’s helpful to remember that Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross and the destruction of the temple brought an end to these traditions. But for the people first hearing Amos preach, his examples about sacrifice would have been crystal clear. God wanted more from his people, something that even a sacrifice could not cover.
Rather than sacrificial offerings, we bring our financial gifts and offerings forward as part of a worship service. Yes, our giving is definitely a way we worship God. Likewise, bringing burnt offerings also gave honor and respect to God in a worshipful way. The “more” God wants from us is that we live our lives worshipping God in honoring ways, loving others as God loves them.
Jesus taught of reconciliation with those we find ourselves at odds with. In Matthew 5:23-24, in His Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said, “So if you are presenting a sacrifice at the altar in the Temple and you suddenly remember that someone has something against you, leave your sacrifice there at the altar. Go and be reconciled to that person. Then come and offer your sacrifice to God.” In other words, how can we even think about worshipping God when our hearts are holding on to a hurt or unresolved issue?
Amos’ warning about the way we worship is something we should pay attention to. Have you ever seen a preacher or worship leader who distorts the gospel or who seems more interested in bringing attention to themselves rather than to Jesus? It happened in Amos’ day, too. God isn’t impressed.
The key verse to focus on here is verse 24, which reads: “Instead, I want to see a mighty flood of justice, an endless river of righteous living.” This is how God wants us to live. He wants us to fight for him, to represent him well in all we do. We are called to speak the truth to reveal the justice God intends.
In all my years of ministry, I’ve noticed this “mighty flood” is more like a gentle trickle. We need to be ignited into service. It’s going to take all of us coming together, seeking God’s righteousness for our lives.
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 and fill me with your courage to fight for you and your truth. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
