Narrative Lectionary 642 (NL410): Amos: Justice Rolls Down - November 9, 2025

Working Preacher's Narrative Lectionary

Join Rolf Jacobson, Kathryn Schifferdecker, and Craig Koester as they explore the powerful message of the prophet Amos in this week's episode of I Love to Tell the Story, a podcast on the Narrative Lectionary for November 9th, 2025.

The prophet Amos brings one of the most challenging messages in Scripture—calling out the disconnect between religious observance and social justice. Though he was a farmer from the Southern Kingdom, Amos was sent to speak truth to power in the Northern Kingdom around 760-780 BCE. His ministry may have lasted only two years, but his words continue to resonate today.

In this episode, we discuss: * The meaning of "The Lord roars from Zion" and Amos's prophetic mission * The dangerous disconnect between piety and justice * What biblical justice (mishpat) and righteousness (tzedek) really mean * Why Amos declares "I hate, I despise your festivals" * The call to "let justice roll down like waters and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream" * How this message connects to modern calls for justice, including Martin Luther King Jr.'s use of Amos

As one of the hosts shares: "If you like the prophet Amos, you don't understand him." This episode will challenge you to examine the gap between religious practice and care for the vulnerable in our own time.

TIMECODES: 00:00 Introduction to Amos and Contextual Background 02:47 The Call for Justice and Social Awareness 05:51 Understanding Justice and Righteousness 08:51 The Nature of Seeking God 12:18 Conclusion and Reflection on Amos' Message 14:21 Outro

🎧 Listen now and equip yourself for your preaching journey! Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share with fellow preachers.

🔗 Find more episodes and resources here: https://www.workingpreacher.org/.

Follow along with the commentary on Amos 1:1-2; 5:14-15, 21-24 written by Mark Hamilton at https://www.workingpreacher.org/commentaries/narrative-lectionary/amos-justice-rolls-down/commentary-on-amos-11-2-514-15-21-24-4.

Watch this episode on YouTube at https://youtu.be/FlUrAIfZK6U.