But let justice roll down like waters and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream. Amos 5:24
Sometimes we hear words we like, and sometimes not so much. When we were small, if our parents would say, "Let's go and buy an ice-cream cone," we would love those words. On the other hand, our parents would sometimes irk us with terms such as, "You cannot go to the party on Friday night."
If a dialog is pleasing to our ears, aligns with our thoughts, and benefits us, we define those words as pleasant. However, sometimes we must endure words that are more beneficial to others than ourselves, words that God speaks for those who need a voice. We may not like the conversation, but if we expect to grow in Christ, it is beneficial to hear both words like honey and bitter ones.
Several prophets had some bitter things to say, applicable not only to people from that era but also today. Amos told people to hate evil, to love good, and to establish justice. He also said, "There are those who turn justice into bitterness and cast righteousness to the ground." Do we need to hear this message in our day and time? Habakkuk said that because of many plundered nations, the remnants of these people would become the plunderers. Could we be reaping the seeds of our harvest?
Do we go to church on Sunday, sing praise songs with gusto, and give our tithes? Do we fulfill all ceremonial liturgies, recite the scriptures with pride, and pray with eloquence so that others can hear? In Amos 5:21-23, God says He hates ritualistic platitudes if we step out of the church doors to be judgmental, unloving, unforgiving, and cruel. If we cease to be compassionate, God may have some words for us to ruffle our feathers.
Michiah had a few things to say that were not pleasing to king Ahab; in fact, he stated, "Michiah doesn't have anything good to say." We may sometimes feel as if God is on our case, speaking only harsh words. However, God reminds us of His unfailing love. Read Hosea 11:8-9.
In God's perfect love, we can feel securely loved, supremely loved, and especially loved individually, no matter what we do. However, because of His love for us, we should patiently endure words that may ruffle our feathers. Like a good Father, He knows what we need to hear.
Help us, oh Lord, to listen. Amen
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