Justice

“But let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.”
~ Amos 5:24

We live in a country where we have long valued justice. We have rules and laws which govern our society. They tell us what is right and what is wrong. They tell us how we should treat our neighbors and deal with others in business. We have laws which set out guidelines for parenting, driving, and the ethical treatment of others. But there are those who do not like to follow the rules. What happens when people break the law? What happens when you are wronged? You seek justice. You ask a higher power, usually the courts, to set things right.

At the time of Amos, God once again makes clear how much He values justice. His people are living in idolatry. His children are treating each other in deplorable ways. The Israelites are perverting worship, destroying the marriage bond, and devaluing the lives of those around them. God sends Amos to declare that justice is coming. God steps in to call the people back to a just lifestyle. A way that honors God by honoring the covenant that they had made with God at Sinai.

Obadiah declares that God’s justice will condemn the nation of Edom. Because Edom had acted terribly to God’ people, God will judge their hearts and lives. He will bring justice for His people by punishing Edom.

Today we still seek justice. We are a nation that has laws, and as Christians we follow the law. But we should never forget that God sets the guidelines for our lives. God sets the standard to which we must we surrender. God defines what justice is. More than simply not harming a neighbor, God’s justice calls for us to love our neighbor, to help those who persecute us, and to offer aid and assistance to those who are poor and needy. God’s justice requires that we seek the best for those around us. God’s justice calls for us to live out the nature and character of Jesus in our lives.