Hello All
This topic has been on my mind so much lately- I think mostly due when I see people following mens teachings and trying to please God in actions but missing the whole point.The name of my Post was "To Obey is Better than Sacrifice" and I believe it to be one of the most fundamental roots to understanding what it truly means to serve God. The first time (That I can find) this topic being mentioned in the bible is of course from the mouth of Samuel. Samuel scolded Saul for disobeying God- then trying to cover up his true intentions saying (1Samuel 15:21) "But the people took of the plunder, sheep and oxen, the best of the things which should have been utterly destroyed, to sacrifice to the LORD your God in Gilgal."Then Samuel replies to this (knowing Sauls heart) (1Samuel 15:22)So Samuel said:
“Has the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices,As in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, And to heed than the fat of rams.
This message is so important to us especially to this generation and the way how the Word has been mangled and twisted by mans evil heart seeking his own righteousness. Look at some more verses where servants of God knew this message:Psalms 40:6Sacrifice and offering You did not desire; My ears You have opened. Burnt offering and sin offering You did not require.Hosea 6:6For I desire mercy and not sacrifice, And the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings.Hebrews 10:5Therefore, when He came into the world, He said: “ Sacrifice and offering You did not desire, But a body You have prepared for Me. And lastly from our Lord himself:Matthew 9:13But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy and not sacrifice.’For I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.”The Lord also speaks to his children in Isaiah when he tells them that He has become tired of their vain sacrifices- done merely for self-glory and repetition. So what sacrifice DOES our God require of us?Continuation of Psalms 40:6Psalm 40:7-10Then I said, “Behold, I come; In the scroll of the book it is written of me. I delight to do Your will, O my God, And Your law is within my heart.” I have proclaimed the good news of righteousness In the great assembly; Indeed, I do not restrain my lips, O LORD, You Yourself know. I have not hidden Your righteousness within my heart; I have declared Your faithfulness and Your salvation; I have not concealed Your lovingkindness and Your truth From the great assembly.Hebrews 13:16But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased. 1 Peter 2:5you also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. Romans 12:1I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.So you see? God doesnt want all that extra baggage of the "sacrifices of long ago" Its dead to us and Him. Now that the Lord has given us his Word and sealed it with His blood in perfect sacrifice he calls us to be the sacrifice. A LIVING sacrifice. Ephesians 2:10For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them..Thanks Kriss for some of the verse suggestions
