Flow!

Flow!

Instead, let justice flow like a stream, and righteousness like a river that never goes dry. Amos 5:24 GNBUK

Again, it has to be emphasised that sin carries huge consequences. When it comes to God and his nature, sin has no place. Think of this: even God had to turn his face away from his Son, for the first and last time, as He hung on the cross, paying the price for sin, as required by the law. If such a high price is demanded as the propitiation for sin, imagine what the consequences will be for all who reject the price that has been paid. That is the right foundation for the passage that is under consideration today. Israel had sinned, and God applied punishment. It did not matter that this was God's chosen people; as long as sin is in the camp, punishment is certain. 

The above explains God's nature. The fact that he does not totally destroy does not mean that he condones sin. His mercy is the reason why many of us are still here. He warns us about our daily choices, asking us to get it right, so we can end up right. Of course, He will not force me against the exercise of my freewill, but let it be clear: choices have consequences. God lays out the case against his people Israel: they took bribes to pervert the course of justice, oppressed the poor, yet they were looking forward to the 'day of the Lord', when they were expecting Him to return and exalt the nation of Israel. Pray, how can a man remain in sin and still be looking forward to the day of the Lord? 

It is sheer ignorance that makes a man comfortable in sin, and still claim to be looking forward to the day of the Lord. Indeed, the day of the Lord is coming, but it is not a day that sinners must look forward to. It is a day that the Lord will lay down his law, and uphold his nature. It is a day of deep darkness and sadness for all who remain in sin but a day of great joy for all who have upheld God's nature and law. As I take stock of my life again now, where do I stand? Do I consciously promote that which celebrates and announces God to my community, society and nation, or am I lost in the crowd of compromise and complicity, blending in because I am ashamed to be connected to the name of the Lord? 

God's nature is justice and righteousness and it is my sacred duty to promote these. It is time to stop the hypocrisy around mere religious festivals, plenty of burnt offerings, or noist songs, which men will see or hear and applaud, but which, as far as God is concerned, are useless. I must focus on the things that God celebrates, which are justice and righteousness. You can't go wrong with pursuing that which makes God known. My duty is to make them flow, and they can only flow without hindrance when my life has given them room. When I am full of them, then they can flow out of my life to bless the world I have been placed in. Is my life such a vessel or receptacle through which God can be made manifest? God's time of favour is here.