Due justice. Do justly.

That's the Book: Micah

Hey! You're here! I'm so impressed. This project is deep in the midst of the minor prophets and some readers have apparently decided to tune out for the next ten weeks. I don't blame them. Who wants to start Monday morning with heavy themes of judgment? The prophets are brutal. It's way more fun to talk about forgiveness. I love talking about the scandelous love of Jesus. These posts on prophets are difficult. Reading about destruction and consequences can be a kick to the head.

Amos was a lowly shepherd who God called to preach judgment to the rich and oppressive leaders of Israel and her neighbors. Centuries later God called shepherds to witness the arrival of the salvation of all mankind. One of my favorite things is when I see a parallel in God's story. Yay for the shepherds.

He who forms the mountains, who creates the wind, and who reveals his thoughts to mankind, who turns dawn to darkness, and treads on the heights of the earth - the Lord God Almighty is his name. Amos 4:13

Read that verse again. I love it. The high and almighty God reveals his thoughts to us. Crazy wonderful.

For I know how many are your offenses and how great your sings. There are those who oppress the innocent and take bribes and deprive the poor of justice in the courts. Therefore the prudent keep quiet in such times, for the times are evil. Seek good, not evil, that you may live. Then the Lord God Almighty will be with you, just as you say he is. Hate evil, love good; maintain justice in the courts. Perhaps the Lord God Almighty will have mercy on the remnant of Joseph. Amos 5:12-15

Ever notice people seem to want justice for everyone else and grace for themselves? God is pretty clear on this one. Hate Evil. Love Good. Maintain Justice.

Every week as I prep for the That's the Book post I start by reading through the book and highlighting verses that shout out to my heart. This week as I read along I felt sick when I hit this one. It so reminded me of my country, my people.

"You lie on beds adorned with ivory and lounge on your couches. You dine on choice lambs and fattened calves. You strum away on your harps like David and improvise on musical instruments. You drink wine by the bowlful and use the finest lotions, but you do not grieve over the ruin of Joseph. Therefore you will be among the first to go into exile; your feasting and lounging will end." Amos 6:4-7

Luxury but no justice? Violence for the smallest and weakest in our culture. Power and greed abound. Wine by the bowlful and the finest lotion but no grieving over the ruin around. See? Massive kick to the head.

​Truth is, sometimes I need a heavy dose of truth to help correct my course. And as I remember to keep it in context of the whole biblical narrative I'm encouraged. The time I'm spending reading the prophets is only increasing my love of God. Grace is only truly appreciated when justice is what is due. And justice is what is due. But grace is what I've been given. How about you?

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Resources

One of my good friends told me last night she's learned so much from these videos.  ME TOO!  I love how this one explains that true worship always leaves to love, righteousness and justice. Watch and learn.