“But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream!” Amos 5:24 (NIV)
It’s hard to imagine the courage it took to step onto that stage in 1963. The sun beat down, the crowd stretched as far as the eye could see, and the weight of a nation’s hopes rested on his shoulders. Every word carried the weight of centuries of injustice, and every pause echoed the cries for change. As Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. began to speak, the world was watching. “I have a dream,” he said, painting a vision of a world where justice and equality weren’t just ideals, but realities.
Dr. King’s legacy is a powerful reminder that justice and righteousness matter deeply—not just to us, but to God. Amos 5:24 declares, “Let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream.” These words aren’t poetry; they’re a declaration of what God desires for the world He created. Justice reflects fairness, dignity, and compassion for all people. Righteousness is living in alignment with God’s heart, in right relationship with Him and others.
Dr. King led with courage and vision. He understood that justice isn’t just about grand speeches or historic moments; it’s about the everyday choices we make. Justice flows like a river, not because of one mighty wave, but because of countless small streams coming together.
Here’s the thing: justice and righteousness are not reserved for world-changing leaders like Dr. King. They are a call for all of us. They show up in how we treat our neighbors, how we use our voices to advocate for fairness, and how we model compassion in our everyday lives.
The river of justice doesn’t run dry, but it does need more streams. As we honor Dr. King today, let’s remember that justice and righteousness are at the very core of who God is—and He invites us to let them flow through us. What will your stream look like today?
— Paul, LifeSongs
Reflective Question:
What small step can you take today to contribute to the flow of justice and righteousness in the world around you?
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