Humility. A contrite heart that is quickly and truly sorry for anything that offends God. A firm resolution to turn from those things and do God’s will. A desire to make the knowledge and love of God the overarching priority, a love that is reflected in charity towards others. Without these things, our fasts, devotions, rituals, church attendance, lengthy prayers, offerings and sacrifices are at the bottom of the list of things that impress God.
“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. 12 When you come to appear before me, who has asked this of you, this trampling of my courts?
13 Stop bringing meaningless offerings! Your incense is detestable to me.
New Moons, Sabbaths and convocations—I cannot bear your worthless assemblies 14 Your New Moon feasts and your appointed festivals I hate with all my being.
They have become a burden to me; I am weary of bearing them. 15 When you spread out your hands in prayer, I hide my eyes from you; even when you offer many prayers, I am not listening Your hands are full of blood!16 Wash and make yourselves clean. Take your evil deeds out of my sight; stop doing wrong. 17 Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed.[a] Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow. – Isaiah 1:11-17
Mercy and kindness trumping religious duties/ceremonial laws is what Jesus taught us by calling Levi, the tax collector and dining with him and his fellow sinners. Compassion trumping religious observance is what He taught us by healing on the sabbath day. These are all traits that He desires and wants the world to see in those who claim to be His followers, aka Christians. These are fruits of knowing Him better and resolving to obey what that knowledge teaches us.
Contemporary English Version – 1 Samuel 15:22 “Tell me,” Samuel said. “Does the LORD really want sacrifices and offerings? No! He doesn’t want your sacrifices. He wants you to obey him.
Psalm 50:16-17. But to the wicked God says: “What right have you to declare My statutes, Or take My covenant in your mouth,17 Seeing you hate instruction And cast My words behind you?
May our learning of the things that impress and please God renew our minds and re-direct our Lenten observances. Amen.
Hilltop Thoughts, Valley Strengths 