God of JusticeSample

Hate evil and love good

A stark reminder of the seriousness of sin rages in the book of Amos. This ‘minor’ prophet spoke out against the sinfulness of God’s people under the leadership of King Jeroboam (2 Kings 14). One of the many Israelite kings who ‘did what was evil in the Lord’s sight,' Jeroboam’s allowance of idolatry and injustice is lambasted throughout Amos.

God’s vehement anger at sin explodes in Amos’ messages and visions. Sin is so opposite to the holy God that His justice demands judgment. Deep down, we agree, knowing the priority of justice delivered when wrong has been committed.

Breaking through Amos’ warning is God’s reminder to His people that they should ‘hate evil and love good’ and ‘the Lord will be with you’ (Amos 5:14–15). Instead of false worship and corrupt actions, justice and righteousness (5:24) should flow in their community as it does from their true God. We should yearn for this in our communities.

Written by BEN MCEACHEN