Cry Out Louder!

14 Seek good, not evil, that you may live. Then the LORD God Almighty will be with you, just as you say he is. 15 Hate evil, love good; maintain justice in the courts. Perhaps the LORD God Almighty will have mercy on the remnant of Joseph. Amos 5:14-15

The footnote in my Chronological Bible today labels Amos 5:1-15 as a "Cry Against Injustice." This reminds me of something I saw on a popular TV Show, "Dirty Jobs", in which Mike Rowe protests "Cry Out Louder!" He makes this reference with some satire referring to the many "dirty jobs" he visits on a daily basis. Nevertheless, I can't help but wonder if Christians need to "Cry Out Louder"?

Have we become too comfortable? Have we decided that we cannot change anything? I think it has become too easy in this "land of milk and honey" to leave everyone alone as long as they are not bothering your own house. The way things are going, I believe there will come a day where I doubt any of us will be able to escape the damages done by today's actions. It's easy to believe that in small town, USA we are safe. For now, we are fairly safe. It won't always be that way. Unless we cry out to God in desperate prayer, unless we speak up and stand for what's right, unless we decide to lead the change, our day will come.

In the following verses, Amos speaks on complacency:

Woe to you who are rushing headlong to disaster! Catastrophe is just around the corner!Woe to those who live in luxury and expect everyone else to serve them!Woe to those who live only for today, indifferent to the fate of others!Woe to the playboys, the playgirls, who think life is a party held just for them!Woe to those addicted to feeling good—life without pain! those obsessed with looking good—life without wrinkles!They could not care less about their country going to ruin. Amos 6:3-6 (Message Bible)

What brave man delivered these messages of prophecy to the nation of Israel? Amos was but a shepherd from the small town of Judah. Still, Amos became a voice of change for areas both small and large during his day. Instead of making excuses to God, he simply obeyed and God used him.

Could you be like Amos today? Is God asking you to speak up? Maybe it's time to "Cry Out Louder!"

Father, help us today to make a stand against injustice. Help us to bring change in the most powerful way we can---through prayer. Help us to be a "voice crying out in the wilderness". Even in this small town, show us how to be a forerunner against injustice in our country. Open our eyes and let us awaken to see what is really going on around us. Let us speak and act with wisdom and grace, and yet, with a boldness that can only come from You. We ask that you strategically place us in positions where we can be most effectively used by You. Let our hearts and minds become one, and don't let us be discouraged by our demographics or location. Help us to understand that we are only a vessel---we just have to be willing to be used by You. In Jesus Name- Amen