The theme for our reflection is “Let justice flow down like a river” Justice means treating people fairly, equally and properly. Justice also means having respect for human dignity or treating all people with dignity and respect. During the time of Prophet Amos, Israel became a society where the vulnerable were marginalised and the affluent and leaders of the nation looked on while others suffered as a result of their actions and inactions. Ironically, those who perpetuate injustice or make unjust gains through oppression and injustice come before God to worship and give offerings. We may even picture a situation where the oppressor and the oppressed have all come before God to worship Him. God expressed His displeasure at the injustice among the Israelites and warned them against the day of His judgement. God said to the Israelites that “I hate, I despise your religious festivals; your assemblies are a stench to me. 22 Even though you bring me burnt offerings and grain offerings, I will not accept them. Though you bring choice fellowship offerings, I will have no regard for them. 23 Away with the noise of your songs! I will not listen to the music of your harps. 24 But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream! (Amos 5:21-24). In other words, injustice prevents our prayers from being answered and our worship from being acknowledged by God.
Beloved in the Lord, when we come to the house of God, it is better to give ten Ghana cedis out of our honest gains rather than to give hundred Ghana cedis out of gains made from oppression and injustice. We are greatly admonished in Proverbs 16:8 that “Better a little with righteousness than much gain with injustice.” God is pleased with us when we treat people fairly at our workplaces and in our societies. Proverbs 11:18 reminds us that “A wicked person earns deceptive wages, but the one who sows righteousness reaps a sure reward.” Our faith and discipleship are tested in our relationship with people and how we treat others. It is an abomination to unfairly treat your employees as an employer but on Sunday you pretend to be a generous giver at church. Similarly, it is forbidden for an employee to steal from his or her employer and then come before God to offer big offerings in the name of thanksgiving. This is also a form of injustice. God hears the cry of the people we economically, emotionally and physically abuse and unjustly treat. It is for this reason, He admonishes us to “…let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream! (Amos 5:24)
Beloved in the Lord, We live in a world where some people who claim to be Christians unjustly make their wealth out of the blood and toil of the poor and vulnerable. Some people use their political positions to cheat and forcefully take landed properties from the poor and vulnerable. Some politicians, government appointees and civil servants steal and embezzle state funds at the expense of the poor and vulnerable people in our society. How can food items meant for students end up in the homes of school managers? How can state funds meant for roads and developmental projects end up in the personal accounts of people appointed to ensure that these projects are executed to the benefit of the masses? The poor and vulnerable at some government institutions are being charged exorbitant and unapproved fees for services rendered to them. Unfortunately, those who are supposed to protect the poor and the vulnerable take bribes and look on while evil and wickedness thrive in our society. We are greatly admonished in Exodus 23:8 that “Do not accept a bribe, for a bribe blinds those who see and twists the words of the innocent.” Again, the Psalmist reminds us that “Whoever is pregnant with evil conceives trouble and gives birth to disillusionment. 15 Whoever digs a hole and scoops it out falls into the pit they have made. 16 The trouble they cause recoils on them; their violence comes down on their own heads.” (Psalms 7:14-16) It is for this reason, Paul assures those who are being oppressed that “Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19 Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord” (Romans 12:17-19) Let us be careful and always remember that the God we serve is the God of the oppressed! Shalom.
PRAYER
Holy Spirit, strengthen us to act justly in our dealings with everyone we come across in our lives. Amen.
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