Let Justice Roll Down Like Waters

Amos speaks for God: 'I hate, I despise your religious feasts and cannot stand your assemblies. But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream.' God is saying: I don't want your worship if it's not accompanied by justice.

This verse haunted the American church during the Civil Rights era, and it should haunt us still. We can sing beautifully, give generously, pray fervently. But if we're not pursuing justice - for the poor, the enslaved, the marginalized - we're not actually worshipping God.

I audit my own religiosity against this verse. Do I actually pursue justice, or do I just perform piety? Am I willing to be uncomfortable, to take risks, to speak up when it costs me something? Amos doesn't leave room for worship without justice.