The Lion Roars

Date: Wednesday, May 6, 2026

Readings: Amos 1 | Psalm 105:23-45

You might want to watch this short video overview of Amos from the Bible Project, providing context for the next leg of our journey through the "grand narrative" of Scripture.

Amos begins with a roar. The Lord roars from Zion, and the shepherds’ pastures recoil. Amos isn’t here to give a feel-good talk; he’s here to announce that God’s justice isn’t a localized affair, but a global standard. As he lists the sins of the surrounding nations: Gaza, Tyre, Edom, etc., he highlights a common thread: the violation of human dignity. Cruelty, the breaking of covenants, and the pursuit of profit over people are things God simply will not ignore. This ‘roar’ reminds us that God is the rightful King of all the earth, and His kingdom is built on righteousness, which points us toward Jesus who is the ‘Lion of Judah,’ but who also became the Lamb to take away the sins that Amos laments.

Psalm 105:23-45 continues the historical recount of God’s dealings with Egypt and the liberation of His people. It shows that God isn’t just a judge; He is a Deliverer. He judges the oppressor to free the oppressed. For us, spiritual maturity involves aligning our hearts with God’s heart for justice. To follow the roaring Lion is to advocate for the dignity of every person who bears God’s image. “All” means all. It’s a call to a deep, contemplative empathy that moves us to action personally, not just broadcasting our views on social media.

Devotional Prompts:

• Where do you hear the ‘roar’ of God’s justice in the world today?
• How can you move from ‘spiritual indifference’ to ‘active empathy’ on an interpersonal basis in your daily life?

Prayer: God of Justice, Your heart breaks for the oppressed and the broken. Give me ears to hear Your roar and hands ready to do Your work of restoration in a world that so desperately needs Your peace. Amen.