Amos 5:24 AMP
[24] “But let justice run down like waters And righteousness like an ever-flowing stream [flowing abundantly].
We read the words of a man you would not really call a prophet. In fact, in the words of tje man Amos himself, he said he was not a prophet by profession, nor was he a prophet’s son, but he was a herdsman and a grower of sycamore figs. That was his job and means of livelihood, but that did not stop God from using him to pass a message to the people of Israel at the time. As always, men think they know the qualifications needed to be used by God for mighty things, but as God has proved over the years, availability is more important to Him than eloquence or wealth. He does not need the influential or the connected; He just needs available vessels He can deploy as He pleases.
Sometimes, God uses the simple to pass on His mind to people. God knows how to find those who the world does not know, to publicly declare His word and will to the world. He is the One who uses the lowly and despised things to nullify the things that think they are special, so that no one can boast before Him. How do I see myself? Do I even imagine that God can find me useful in any way? Never look down on yourself; there is yet no one made in the image and likeness of God that is useless or of no value. If He made and spared me till today, there is a place for me to function. If I can only be available and yielded, there is no end to the amazing ways God can make use of me.
The messsge given to Amos contains relevant information for us today. A nation may get complacent and relaxed, forgetting the ideals and standards that brought it peace, calm and prosperity. This was where Israel was at the time. The land had relative peace in the days of Jeroboam and Uzziah, kings of Israel and Judah respectively. Maybe quiet made them forget where God had brought them from. Maybe comfort and convenience made them forget the mighty acts of God in their lives. The land was now known for idolatry. Baal and strange gods were now the norm. I must be careful of the choices I make when things seem to be going well.
One thing is clear from the verse above: God will not lower His standards for anyone. No matter how far Israel had fallen, God was not going to go down to their level to placate them. He would provide the help they needed, but they had to attain the standard. God is a God of justice, and righteousness is His nature. He cannot lie, and He will not deny Himself. He does not deal in haphazard ways, but He is methodical. He will also not demand from me that which He has not first supplied sufficient grace for. It is His will that I promote His nature. I must know and have Him, if I am to promote Him the right way. Do you know Him? Does He also know you? God's time of favour is here.
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