It

is not unusual to be saved through faith in God and yet suffer under

oppression. A person may walk with Jesus each day and yet have to

labor under discrimination, deal with unfair working conditions, or

face religious persecution—with little chance of getting out from

under the grindstone.

What’s

particularly scorching about Amos’s prophecy is that some of the

worst oppressors were Israelites who were zealous in their religious

rituals. They brought sacrifices to God; they observed all the

religious holidays. They followed the law of God to the letter. But

they had no concern for other people. Through Isaiah, God said,

similarly, “Stop bringing meaningless offerings! Your incense is

detestable to me. . . . Your hands are full of blood! . . .

Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the

cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow” (Isaiah

1:13-17). Wherever this charge may apply today, it calls for

self-examination of our attitudes and account books. It may also call

for debate and accountability in our community and business circles.

Ultimately,

on the day of the Lord, the Judge of all humankind will usher in

complete justice. And for those who have repented and turned to

Christ, all oppression and poverty will cease. On that day, justice

will roll down like a mighty river.