Get Real

In Isaiah 1:11-14, we see how God feels about worship,

“11 What to me is the multitude of your sacrifices?

says the LORD;

I have had enough of burnt offerings of rams

and the fat of well-fed beasts;

I do not delight in the blood of bulls,

or of lambs, or of goats.”

He takes no pleasure in going through the motions when our hearts are not really His. He will not be served in pretense.

“12 When you come to appear before me,

who has required of you

this trampling of my courts?”

It’s about Him, not us. When we assemble in His name, do we understand the privilege and realize before whom we stand? If there is no reverence, and Jesus is not exalted in our assemblies, it is court trampling.

“13 Bring no more vain offerings;

incense is an abomination to me.

New moon and Sabbath and the calling of convocations—

I cannot endure iniquity and solemn assembly.
14 Your new moons and your appointed feasts

my soul hates;

they have become a burden to me;

I am weary of bearing them.”

God had given them a way to worship Him, so that He could be with them. It all pointed to the ultimate sacrifice of Christ on the cross. But when they ceased to love Him, their motions became worthless; an abomination; He would no longer endure it. Becoming burdensome to God instead of a blessing is a frightening thought. Israel was in bad shape, imagining they were still serving God while they were actually in opposition to Him. Let’s rely on Him to carry our burdens, rather than going through motions as if we don’t really need Him and being the burden.

Lord, help us to love You above all else!