Justice
Scripture Reading — Amos 5:18-27
"Let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream!" Amos 5:24
The church is more than a gathering of worshipers. The church must reach beyond itself into all of God's creation. It is called to be the voice of the poor and powerless--the witness to justice and righteousness in a world ruled by power and wealth. Throughout history God has raised up prophets to proclaim a message otherwise silenced by apathy and greed.
The prophet Amos called the people of God in his day to account for their disregard and abuse of the powerless and poor, and his words echo off the walls of the church today. God reminds us that if the church does not pursue justice, then our worship, praise, and offerings are detestable to him. We are to "hate evil, love good," and "maintain justice in the courts" (Amos 5:15).
God is concerned that his people live out their relationship with him in ways that bring righteousness and redemption to the world. Being the church is about the life-changing impact that Christians have seven days a week, 365 days a year, year in and year out. The church must promote God's kingdom and his righteousness.
Jesus taught his followers to pray, "Your kingdom come, your will be done ..." (Matthew 6:10). It is the will of God that "justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream." Being the voice of the voiceless is God's call to his church.
Lord, forgive us for our uncaring attitudes about unrighteousness in the world around us. Give us the willingness and courage to bring justice into your world. In Jesus, Amen.
About the author — Jerry Dykstra
Pastor Jerry Dykstra was recently appointed as the executive director of the Christian Reformed Church in North America. After a 15-year career in business, he trained for pastoral ministry and served as the pastor of Cascade Fellowship CRC, Cascade, Michigan, and Faith Christian Fellowship CRC, Walnut Creek, California. He and his wife, Linda, live in Byron Center, Michigan, and have three children and seven grandchildren.
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