“But let judgment run down as waters, and righteousness as a mighty stream.” – Amos 5:24

 It is as if Amos were here with us today. His words sing out the song of “judgment” or “justice.” It is a strong word for what happens in a community or a nation when God works through people and leaders to set wrongs right and to create a society of fairness, equity, and compassion.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. preached with such a calling to leaders and vision for the future. Echoing the words of Amos, the prophet, he portrayed God’s judgment as refreshing and cleansing.

And so it is.

As of this writing, the author of this essay has no idea who, in your time, is about to be inaugurated the next President of the United States. What he does know is that Amos 5:24 is the highest calling for his leadership of this nation.

He also knows that without your prayers and encouragement, the task is too awful and daunting for any man or woman. However, as he leads a people who pray for, work for, and long for justice, truth, and righteousness, his leadership will be like that of Dr. King who called himself nothing more than a “drum major for justice.”

Let us encourage that in all our leaders by walking in step with the rhythm of truth and swaying to the sweet song of a compassionate society, rooted in God’s call and founded upon the law of love that Jesus taught us.