If we’re not careful, it’s all too easy to end up doing things that, at best, are secondary, and at worst, don’t matter at all. Such was the case of the people of Israel a few millennia ago.
The prophet Amos states that God is critical of their religious gatherings, their offerings, and their music. He uses phrases like:
- “I hate…”
- “I despise…”
- “I will not accept…”
- “I have no regard for…”
- “I will not listen…”
What did God want instead? Righteousness and justice.
Although it would be an incorrect conclusion to completely jettison our gatherings, our offerings, and our worship music, it might not be a bad idea to give them a bit lower priority.
Certainly, the admirable traits of righteousness (“right living”) and justice need to be elevated.
If that’s what God wanted all those years ago, it might just be want he wants now.
Learn more about all twelve of the Bible’s Minor Prophets in Peter’s book, Return to Me: 40 Prophetic Teachings about Unfaithfulness, Punishment, and Hope from the Minor Prophets
Peter DeHaan writes about biblical Christianity to confront status quo religion and live a life that matters. He seeks a fresh approach to following Jesus through the lens of Scripture, without the baggage of made-up traditions and meaningless practices.
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