Family Worship (Sept 21)

Have you ever watched a rainstorm fill up the street or a ditch with water? At first it’s just a trickle, but soon the water is rushing and rolling, carrying everything in its path. Amos, a shepherd-turned-prophet, used that picture to talk about what God wants from His people. The people of Israel were very religious—they sang songs, brought offerings, and went to festivals. But there was a big problem: while they were worshiping God on the outside, their lives were unfair and unkind on the inside. They cheated the poor, ignored those in need, and lived selfishly.
God told them that He didn’t just want their songs and sacrifices. He wanted justice and righteousness to flow like a river—always moving, always full, always life-giving. Just like water makes things grow, justice and righteousness show God’s love to the world. And the good news? Jesus came to make our hearts clean so His justice can flow through us.

Amos 5:24 (NIV)
“But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream!”

Discussion Questions

1. What do you think Amos meant when he said justice and righteousness should be like a river?
2. Why do you think God cares so much about how we treat the poor, the needy, and those who are different from us?
3. How does Jesus help us live lives of justice and kindness toward others?

Activity: River of Justice Craft
Get a big sheet of paper and draw a long, winding river.
On one side, write or draw things that are unjust (like being mean, cheating, ignoring someone in need).
On the other side, write or draw things that show justice and righteousness (like sharing, helping a friend, speaking kindly, standing up for someone).
As a family, talk about how you can let the “river” of justice flow through your home, school, and neighborhood.

Prayer
Lord, thank You for showing us what justice and righteousness look like in Jesus. Forgive us for times when we have been selfish or ignored others in need. Help us to love You with all our hearts and to let Your justice and kindness flow through us like a river. Make our family a place where Your love is seen and shared. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Memory Work

New City Catechism
38. What is prayer?
Prayer is pouring out our hearts to God in praise, petition, confession of sin, and thanksgiving.

Memory Verse
Joel 3:16 (NIV)
"The Lord will roar from Zion and thunder from Jerusalem; the earth and the heavens will tremble. But the Lord will be a refuge for his people, a stronghold for the people of Israel."