Let Justice Roll Down Like Waters
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Amos 5:24 – “But let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.”
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Let Justice Roll Down Like Waters
Last week, I veered into local happenings, a bit unusual for this blog since I try to avert politics. But when people are shot, killed, blinded, kidnapped, brutalized, incarcerated, or even disappeared for simply exercising their constitutional rights, silence isn’t an option. I feel both motivated and obligated to speak up for the oppressed.
This Monday, we’ll celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and it’s hard not to think about how Dr. King lived out his faith with courage. He spoke boldly for the marginalized and the oppressed, echoing the heart of Scripture. The Bible is full of voices calling for justice: Amos, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Micah, Zechariah, and Ezekiel. These prophets didn’t whisper about injustice; they confronted it head‑on.
Yet historically, many believers, and even pastors, have avoided talking about injustice, whether in one‑on‑one conversations or from the pulpit. Why? Often, because they didn’t want to offend, lose members, lose offerings, or stir up controversy. That was true during the civil rights movement of the 1950s and 60s. It wasn’t until the world saw shocking images on the news and began criticizing the church for being spectators instead of peacemakers that many finally spoke up.
So I can’t help but wonder: are we still holding back today? Are we afraid of upsetting people? Or are deeper issues, like prejudice, still lingering beneath the surface? Whatever the reason, the truth remains: the church must speak plainly about social injustice. Silence isn’t neutrality; it’s complicity.
Meanwhile, real people are being affected. Jo and I have a favorite Asian buffet we visit at least twice a month. It’s now take‑out only. They used to have several Latin staff members. Not anymore. In my son’s neighborhood, a home that’s been lovingly cared for by a Latin family for the past decade now sits empty. Local McDonald’s restaurants aren’t opening early because they don’t have enough workers. These immigrants aren’t dangerous criminals. They’re human beings quietly living their lives, contributing to our community, and now they’re disappearing.
Jeremiah had something to say about this:
“Do not oppress the foreigner, the fatherless or the widow, and do not shed innocent blood in this place.”
(Jeremiah 7:6)
And let’s not forget, Jesus Himself was an immigrant for a time.
Here’s another reality check: more than 90% of Americans are descendants of immigrants. Some came willingly. Others were brought here through enslavement. But all shared a hope for a safer, better life. We are, by and large, a blessed nation. Why wouldn’t we extend that blessing to those seeking refuge among us? We’ve done it before. We can do it again.
Dr. King’s dream wasn’t only about racial equality. It was about justice rooted in love. He reminded us that “injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere,” and that true peace isn’t the absence of tension but the presence of justice. His call was for active, nonviolent resistance to injustice, a way of living that reflects Christ’s command to love our neighbor as ourselves.
As we reflect on MLK Day, maybe we can also reflect on our shared humanity and what Christ desires for every person He created. Justice isn’t political. It’s biblical. Scripture reminds us again and again that love, righteousness, and justice are the foundation of God’s throne. Pursuing justice isn’t an optional add‑on to our faith; it’s part of what it means to walk with Christ.
Hallelujah! Sing a New Song to GOD. Sing HIS praise in the assembly of godly people. Psalm 149:1.
"Work It Out for Me", 2025, Zacardi Cortez
A song with a plea I could use every day. Just a voice and a piano. You will relate.
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