Psalm 40:6-8, “You take no delight in sacrifices or offerings. Now that you have made me listen, I finally understand — you don’t require burnt offerings or sin offerings. Then I said, “Look, I have come. As is written about me in the Scriptures: I take joy in doing your will, my God, for your instructions are written on my heart.”
In King David’s day, religious rituals were required but only to COVER OVER their sin. David said God wishes obedience and not a meaningless sacrifice. They would be considered meaningless if they were given for the wrong reasons. Is it really any different today? People make rituals out of going to church, taking communion and/or paying tithes. If we do it for selfish reasons or are motivated by the wrong thing, then they are empty gestures that are unwanted by our Lord. You see, if you do all that like clockwork each week, but don’t allow your life to be changed, then why are you doing it? Going to church doesn’t get you into heaven. Taking communion doesn’t get you into heaven. You can tithe regularly and even give a sizable check for missions or your building program, but THAT doesn’t get you into heaven either. Nothing we do can “buy” our way into heaven. God doesn’t want these types of sacrifices or offerings without an attitude of devotion to Him. We are to give God our obedience and lifelong service for that is what He desires from us.
Wouldn’t you like to have God’s instructions written on your heart? That is what David said he had. He said that he “took joy in doing” the will of God. Micah 6:8 reads as follows: “He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” When it says to “act justly” it means to have a clear understanding of what is right and what is wrong. To “love mercy” means to exhibit “loyal love” or “loving-kindness.” Along with justice, Israel was to provide mercy. Both justice and mercy are foundational to God’s character (Psalm 89:14). God expected His people to show love to their fellow man and to be loyal in their love toward Him, just as He had been loyal to them (Micah 2:8-9; 3:10-11; 6:12).” “Walk humbly” is a description of the heart’s attitude toward God. God’s people depend on Him rather than their own abilities (Micah 2:3). Instead of taking pride in what we bring to God, we humbly recognize that no amount of personal sacrifice can replace a heart committed to justice and love. Israel’s response had a three-part progression, and verse 8 contains a similar progression. The response of a godly heart is outward (do justice), inward (love mercy), and upward (walk humbly). Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing!
In His Name & for His Glory,
RL Keller
Bread of Life Ministries
Source: www.gotquestions.org
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