Scripture: Amos 5:18–24
Dear Midway Family,
This Sunday, we will gather for the final message in our Rule of Life sermon series, and our focus will be on Justice. Over the past few weeks, we have explored how a rule of life helps us stay rooted in devotion, compassion, and worship. Now we turn our hearts to the fourth rhythm, living justly.
In Amos 5:18–24, the prophet Amos speaks a bold word to God’s people. They were busy with all of the things: festivals, offerings, and songs. Sadly, God was not impressed. Their worship looked right, but their hearts were not. God said,
“Away with the noise of your songs!
I will not listen to the music of your harps.
But let justice roll on like a river,
righteousness like a never-failing stream.”
(Amos 5:23–24, NIV)
God is not impressed with empty rituals. True worship is measured by how we live out justice and righteousness in everyday life.
This week’s message, When Worship and Justice Collide, reminds us that God desires worship that is lived, not just sung. The prophet Amos confronts the people of Israel for keeping their religious rituals while ignoring the suffering and injustice around them. God rejects their offerings and songs because their hearts are far from Him. True worship, Amos declares, is when justice rolls down like waters and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.
In this service, we are called to examine how our faith is lived out beyond Sunday morning. Justice is not political or optional; it is spiritual. God’s people are meant to make fairness, mercy, and compassion flow into the world. Our lives, our giving, and our service become the music that pleases God. When worship and justice meet, God’s heart rejoices, and the world is changed.
As you prepare for worship this week, I invite you to read Amos 5:18–24 and reflect on what it means to let justice roll through your own life. Where might God be calling you to act with fairness, mercy, or courage this week?
Come ready to worship, to learn, and to let the living waters of God’s justice flow through us as a church.
With love and hope,
Pastor Sharon
Midway United Methodist Church