Our scripture this morning is Amos 5:21-24.
“I hate all your show and pretense— the hypocrisy of your religious festivals and solemn assemblies. I will not accept your burnt offerings and grain offerings. I won’t even notice all your choice peace offerings. Away with your noisy hymns of praise! I will not listen to the music of your harps. Instead, I want to see a mighty flood of justice, an endless river of righteous living.“
The prophet Amos was sent to warn the people of the danger of their religious hypocrisy. It wasn’t honest worship they offered the Lord but an outward practice that hid inner rebellion. God is more concerned with how we care for others than any gathering or ritual.
God tells them their offerings for sin don’t replace living according to His word. We can’t sin all week and then expect forgiveness when we don’t change our behavior. Our worship should ready us to go into the world with His love in hearts, refreshed and renewed.
Amos wasn’t saying we shouldn’t worship. Sabbath is important to prepare us for the next six days of caring for creation. However, the work is in the world where we live and we can’t hide in a sanctuary to avoid our responsibilities. God calls us to be an active part of His plan of salvation, bringing His love to all.
Heavenly Father, forgive us for just going through the motions and ignoring what really needs to be done. Strengthen us in faith that we may share the Gospel everywhere and always. Amen.
