Steve Gaines

By Steve Gaines, Ph. D.

The bus pulled up in front of the Civil Rights Museum in Montgomery, Alabama. Beside the road was a sketch of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with a quote that said, “Let justice roll down like waters.”

The tour guide told our group of students and parents that those words were Dr. King’s. I raised my hand and said, “Indeed, Dr. King spoke those words frequently, but he was actually quoting a verse of Scripture.” Then I quoted Amos 5:24, “But let justice roll down like waters and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.” I’m not sure if the tour guide wanted to hear from the Bible, but I rejoiced that Dr. King was memorialized with a brilliant verse of Scripture.

The prophet Amos lived in a day when corruption was the norm for both the kings and the priests in Israel. Hebrew worship had degenerated so much that God said, “I reject your festivals….solemn assemblies….offerings…..and) songs (Amos 5:21-23).”
God was tired of the hypocritical charades at the Temple. He demanded more than religious activity; He desired holiness and obedience. He wanted “justice” and “righteousness” to flow down through His people to others in their daily activities. He expected them to be honest in business dealings and compassionate to those in need. Such “justice” was more important than sacrificing lambs on any altar.

What about us today? Do we really think we can please God by merely attending church and going through “religious” motions? Dr. King was wise to use God’s words through Amos. We must first be right with God, having our sins confessed and forgiven, and then we must be just and righteous in our relationships with each other.