Let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream! (Amos 5:24)Boxer Mohammed Ali is credited with the rope-a-dope: drawing in opponent George Foreman by leaning against the ropes in a protective stance (above), allowing Foreman to hit him repeatedly, effectively tiring himself out. Once the other boxer was worn down, Ali went to work, eventually knocking out Foreman in the eighth round.
After Amos flawlessly executed the maneuver, drawing in his audience for the knockout punch (yesterday), perhaps the people defended themselves by pointing to their extravagant worship. Israel had two centers for worship: Bethel and Gilgal, the homes of its golden calves. Wouldn't that please God twice as much as Judah who had only one... Jerusalem? Didn't her lavish worship cancel out her treatment of the poor and the weak?
God spoke through his prophet: I hate, I despise your religious feasts; I cannot stand your assemblies. Even though you bring me burnt offerings and grain offerings, I will not accept them. Though you bring choice fellowship offerings, I will have no regard for them. Away with the noise of your songs! I will not listen to the music of your harps (5:20-23).
We learn from Amos that the most beautiful praise is rendered null and void by the absence of justice; that God's favorite worship is the practice of righteousness and compassion; and that love for God is best demonstrated in how we love his children.
How will you worship God this week?
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