Beware Of Meaningless Offerings And Worship

Isaiah 1:11-13 -  "The multitude of your sacrifices-- what are they to me?" says the LORD. "I have more than enough of burnt offerings, of rams and the fat of fattened animals; I have no pleasure in the blood of bulls and lambs and goats.  When you come to appear before me, who has asked this of you, this trampling of my courts?  Stop bringing meaningless offerings! Your incense is detestable to me. New Moons, Sabbaths and convocations-- I cannot bear your evil assemblies.

 

Isaiah…mighty prophet of God.  He was so tuned in to God that he used him to speak important messages of conviction….hope…and renewal to all the people around him that had lost their way.  Jerusalem…once a strong city…fortified by the love they had for God…had fallen to idols.  They had all turned away from God…and the blessings he wanted to give them.

 

He calls them out on the meaningless offerings they were bringing to sacrifice in the Temple.  The routines established in their lives were still being kept…but their hearts wore blindfolds as they offered the lambs and blood required to cover their sins.  They were so blind to the sin in their lives…they did not see it at all.

 

When Jesus came…he called them Hypocrites.  In Matthew 23 he speaks adamantly  about their need to be more concerned with their hearts intentions than the end result and routines of worship.  He said that they did what they did…just for other people to see. He said that their actions spoke so loud to the father….that whatever tithe…prayers…and public displays of giving to others was wasted.

 

I needed the reminder to be careful that my own prayers and times of worship don’t become mere routines.  Hypocrisy is only a breath away…we have to constantly make sure that what we say matches what we do.  AND…we have to be sure that we are doing it to glorify God…and not make ourselves feel better…or look good to others around us.

 

I know I am not supposed to judge…but I sure do see this world drifting toward the same mind set as Isaiah dealt with.  The news is full of stories of drugs….theft…and abuse.  The idols of money…fame…and material possessions might have changed…but the results are the same.  God is disappointed with our hearts….for turning to the things of this world…instead of letting our hearts be content  in his love. 

 

Father…thank you for the reminder that you are to be the most important thing in my life.  Forgive me for any sins I have failed to recognize…and feel remorse for.  Convict me even now of anything that keeps me from hearing your voice like Isaiah did. Show me how to be so in tune to you…that you can use me as you did him.  Amen.