When do justice and righteousness roll down like streams of refreshing water?

“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.

Justice rolls down as the voices of truth refuse to be silenced.

Justice rolls down as every form of injustice is resisted.

Justice rolls down as people learn to love God and neighbor.

Justice rolls down when we climb out of our own shells and into the skin, the life and experiences of people experiencing injustice.

Justice rolls down when grace prevails

Justice rolls down when compassion is released.

Justice rolls down when judgment is suspended.

Justice rolls down when goodness is exalted over greatness.

Justice rolls down when people who espouse it, live it and are willing to risk their own well being to see that others receive it.

God’s prophets have preached this message with such a calling to leaders and vision for the future. Echoing the words of Amos, the prophet, they have portrayed God’s judgment as refreshing and cleansing.

And so it is.

Whether a person or people lead one of our states or our Untied States, or whether that person leads a multinational corporation, a nongovernmental organization, or some other nation, he or she must know that Amos 5:24 is the highest calling for his or her leadership.

That is the standard of all accountability.

A leader in touch with God knows that without your prayers and encouragement, the task is too awful and daunting for any man or woman.

However, as he or she leads a people who pray for, work for, and long for justice, truth, and righteousness, that leadership will be like that of Dr. King who called himself nothing more than a “drum major for justice.”

Let us encourage that in 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.

We must live it and march to that silent drumbeat no matter how loud and out of rhythm the clanging of the drums around us may be.

We must be defiant of the trends and compliant with the God of justice, righteousness, grace, peace, and love.

Let us hold our leaders accountable and let us hold ourselves accountable as well.