“Let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.”
These images are from Amos. He was called from his farm to speak God’s word to Israel (as in the Northern Kingdom of 8th Century BC). God’s word was sharp and to the point. The leadership and people of Israel had forgotten to walk with their God. The rich were getting richer while pushing the poor to be even poorer. There was no justice or righteousness.
Amos, like his contemporary prophets, spoke out against the direction of the society and urged repentance. If the people kept on this path, then surely the kingdom would be conquered and the people would be killed.
They didn’t, and it happened.
It’s easy to say “this happened a long time ago” (2,800 years, in fact). It’s even easy to say that our current society is going down that same path. It’s easy because it just concerns other people. Not me.
We’re in Lent. This is the time to stop and reflect on our own lives and whether we ourselves should be repenting. What am I like? What would I do if I were in charge? Is justice at the core of my relationships? Do I walk with God every moment?
The early Hebrews (and even some Hebrews and some Christians today) sought God through laws and regulations and religious rites. But Jesus said that living with God is a relationship–not merely following laws and agreeing with propositions. It’s like having a friend walking beside you all the time.
Where is your heart today?
Faith Venture 
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