Priorities!

Priorities!

But let justice run down like waters and righteousness as a mighty and ever-flowing stream. Amos 5:24 AMPC

Looking at the context of today's extract, we are once again reminded of the things that God considers as very important. It is not what the world celebrates or what the popular culture emphasizes; it is first and foremost about what God says is important to Him. This is prophet Amos reminding the people of Israel about the old days; this had become a nation that had forgotten God and had been laid to waste. The first lesson therefore is this: sin always comes with a high price.

There is also a grave danger in not getting our priorities right, and it is the fact that we can get so lost in physical acts of service that we forget to audit our hearts to see if they are still under God's control and He can direct them however he pleases. The people of Israel had gotten used to service: they kept the sacred feasts and solemn assemblies; they offered multitudes of offerings: burnt, grain and peace offerings. They sang melodious tunes during their service in the temple, but their hearts were not right.

Therein is another lesson: God is not like man who can be deceived by an outward show of piety; He is a God of absolute knowledge and all our secret motives and desires are laid bare before Him. He cannot be bribed with the things that are already under His command. The only thing He needs is what He has given us power to willingly surrender to Him: our hearts. When my heart is right with God, I will crave what He loves and seek His Truth. He wants justice and righteousness established on the earth and these can only be promoted by people who have experienced them.

And these must flow like waters. Nothing stands in the way of water in its full flow. Give it time and a constant flow of water will break down any barrier. In the face of  temptation to compromise or lower the standard, God's justice and righteousness stands strong. All who will stand to the end must be sure they are standing right. His time of favour is here.