But let judgment run down as waters, and righteousness as a mighty stream. — Amos 5:24 KJV
But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream! — Amos 5:24 NIV
Thought and Reflection
While many attribute this quote to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., it was initially expressed by Amos, God’s spokesman over 2600 years sooner than Dr. King quoted it. God wanted His people to know that their religious journeys, their conciliatory offerings, and their songs made very little difference to Him if they were not upheld by a life of empathy, character, and concern.
Northern Israel didn’t trust Amos and didn’t repent. Not many years later, they were absolutely destroyed on the grounds that God tracked down their hypocrisy, bad form, and maltreatment of the feeble reprehensible. In any case, we live now, and these words are similarly all around as strong and clear as they were then! What will our response be?
My Prayer
Heavenly Father, many of your children are ashamed today at the unrighteousness in our world and in our nations. Please use us to lead a change of character.
We seek to live holy lives, please keep our eyes not only on Your character, but on Your compassion, mercy, tenderness, and grace so we may share those same qualities with those who need to know Your love and receive Your salvation. In Jesus mighty name I pray. Amen.