Thoughts on Today's Verse

"But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream!" Amos 5:24

Thoughts on Today's Verse by Phil Ware

While many attribute this quote to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., it was originally uttered by Amos, God's spokesman over 2600 years earlier than Dr. King quoted it.

God wanted his people to know that their religious pilgrimages, their sacrificial offerings, and their songs meant nothing to him if they were not backed up by a life of compassion, character, and concern.

Northern Israel did not believe Amos and did not repent. Not too many years later, they were utterly destroyed because God found their hypocrisy, injustice, and abuse of the weak reprehensible.

But we live now, and these words are just as powerful and clear as they were then! What will our response be?

My Prayer...

Almighty God, many of your children are ashamed today at the unrighteousness in our world and in our nation. Please use us to lead a rebirth of character in those who call themselves yours. And Father, as 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' name I pray. Amen.