READ | SERMON NOTES
Summary l The prophet Amos was sent by God from Judah to deliver a message to Israel. He boldly confronted the nation’s ritualistic worship, interrupting their religious ceremonies at the shrine with a prophetic declaration of judgment. God rejected their worship, their festivals, offerings and even their music because their hearts were far from Him. There was plenty of noise, but no genuine communion with God. Worship had become hollow and without soul.
God’s anger was directed not only at their hypocrisy but also at their indifference to injustice. While they lived in comfort and luxury, they ignored the call to righteousness. God’s message was clear: “Let justice roll on like a river.” This rebuke continues to speak to us today. Like ancient Israel, modern societies such as Singapore enjoy peace and abundance. But we must not become complacent. We are called to pursue justice and righteousness with steadfast commitment. What does biblical justice look like?
- Giving what is Due
The Hebrew word for justice is Mishpat, which Timothy Keller describes as “giving people what they are due; whether punishment, protection, or care.” Justice includes ensuring the guilty face consequences, but also that the vulnerable receive care and safety.
Justice is not confined to legal professionals. Everyone can practice Mishpat in daily life. For example, fostering children provides them a safe, nurturing environment and reflects God’s justice. Scholar Lanta Davis notes that “justice is inherently relational.” It’s not just about laws, it’s about restoring and honouring the social fabric that binds people together.
- Central to our Christian identify and relationship with God.
Both Amos and Micah denounced corruption, religious hypocrisy and injustice. Amos confronted the northern kingdom’s elite for exploiting the poor, while Micah exposed Judah’s corrupt leaders and false prophets. Both called for justice, mercy and humility before God; a message that still speaks today: moral decay reflects spiritual failure.
The Hebrew word Tzadeqah refers to primary justice, a right relationship with God that leads to right relationships with others. Justice and mercy are inseparable. As Thomas Aquinas said, “Mercy without justice is the mother of dissolution; justice without mercy is cruelty.”
Glen Scorgie explains that justice is a response to God’s mercy. It flows from a heart changed by grace. Justice is not optional; it is central to Christian discipleship and spiritual formation. Worship and justice must go together. Pursuing justice requires reflection, surrender and intention. It challenges us to align our desires with God’s purposes. Justice, at its core, is part of who we are in Christ.
Wesleyan Spirituality: Piety and Mercy
John Wesley saw spirituality and true holiness as a union of personal piety (Prayer, Scripture, Worship) and acts of mercy (Service, Compassion). He called Christians to love the “last, least and lost,” not just through prayer but through tangible action. For example, William Wilberforce fought slavery as an expression of Christian justice. Likewise, we are called not only to know God but to act on behalf of the oppressed. Our faith must express itself through both devotion and social responsibility.
- Advocate for the MVP (Marginalised, Vulnerable and Powerless)
Timothy Keller, drawing on Vinoth Ramachandra, contrasts the biblical vision of justice with worldly power. In Scripture, God aligns not with kings or elites, but with orphans, widows and migrants. His power lifts the powerless.
While the world values MVPs as “Most Valuable Players,” God’s MVPs are the Marginalised, Vulnerable, and Powerless. Glen Scorgie notes, “The vulnerable received particular attention because their lives were most at risk in the absence of justice.” We are not called to help from a distance but to walk alongside them. Advocacy begins with presence. Walk a mile with someone who is hurting. Sit with their pain. Befriend them. This could mean volunteering with Wesley COSC or simply reaching out to those around us. They do not need heroes, just friends willing to listen and stay.
Walking with others takes humility and time. It means being learners, not saviours. It means showing up, again and again. Sometimes, it requires listening longer than we’re comfortable. In a fast-paced world, we’re taught to overlook suffering. Justice invites us to slow down and see what we’ve been taught to ignore.
Trevor Hudson, in Hope Beyond Your Tears, writes, “Each of us sits next to a pool of tears… They remind us of the grief and losses we’ve experienced.” When we listen to others, we walk with them in solidarity.
So, who are the MVPs around you? Who do we need to walk a mile with? May our eyes and hearts be tuned to their suffering. As God’s peace, truth and justice reign in us, may we be transformed and become agents of His justice.
PONDER | REFLECTION QUESTIONS
- What are 3 forms of injustice you notice around you?
Study Scripture
2. The prophets Micah and Amos lived and prophesied during the same time period. What are the context for Amos 5:21-27 and Micah 6:8? Who are the prophets trying to communicate to?
3. What does Amos 5:21-27 and Micah 6:8 tell us about God?
Recall Sermon
4. What is justice?
5. Why must we pay attention to justice? What are the effects on our faith journey if we neglect to act justly?
6. The preacher mentioned a contrast between the world’s MVP and God’s ‘MVP’? Who are they?
Relate Personally
7. What does it mean to walk a mile with someone?
Commit to Action
8. Describe a MVP whom you will possibly walk a mile within the coming week. How may your group pray for your MVP and you?
