Good Morning “Those Who Pursue Righteousness.” Today we are in Proverbs 21.
Gods chosen, the nation of Israel, went through periods of great repentance and obedience. Like us, unfortunately… they also went through periods of great rebellion.
The Lord lays out His future plans to Judah through the Prophet Micah. He speaks of eventual restoration but first impending judgment and destruction because of their rebellion - turning from The Lord, and worshiping false Gods.
Micah pleads with The Lord on behalf of the people, suggesting a myriad of sacrifices that may prove their faith. Speaking in an exaggerated manner he suggests everything from true sacrifices that the man of God would have made, to 10k rivers of oil and even their first born as the pagans might have done. The offer is meant to stir the people to recognize the degree to which they had fallen.
In Gods response to Micah we find our application for today. Rather than grand expressions and sacrifices He simply desires obedience.
“He has shown you, O mortal, 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.” Micah 6:8 NIV
Inspired of God, among today’s Proverbs, Solomon reminds us similarly…
“To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.” Proverbs 21:3 NIV
“The sacrifice of the wicked is detestable— how much more so when brought with evil intent!”
Proverbs 21:27 NIV
Let’s make it simple. The Lord isn’t much concerned with our grand gestures, or “spiritual looking” worship, or even our fat tithe checks - if our hearts are hard and set on our own flesh and rebellion. He would rather that we are simply obedient. Obedience in the day to day “little things” translates easily into obedience in the big things… and yes, then in a willingness to sacrifice it all (Romans 12:1-2). That’s reasonable.
Love you all! Dig in!
Gods chosen, the nation of Israel, went through periods of great repentance and obedience. Like us, unfortunately… they also went through periods of great rebellion.
The Lord lays out His future plans to Judah through the Prophet Micah. He speaks of eventual restoration but first impending judgment and destruction because of their rebellion - turning from The Lord, and worshiping false Gods.
Micah pleads with The Lord on behalf of the people, suggesting a myriad of sacrifices that may prove their faith. Speaking in an exaggerated manner he suggests everything from true sacrifices that the man of God would have made, to 10k rivers of oil and even their first born as the pagans might have done. The offer is meant to stir the people to recognize the degree to which they had fallen.
In Gods response to Micah we find our application for today. Rather than grand expressions and sacrifices He simply desires obedience.
“He has shown you, O mortal, 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.” Micah 6:8 NIV
Inspired of God, among today’s Proverbs, Solomon reminds us similarly…
“To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.” Proverbs 21:3 NIV
“The sacrifice of the wicked is detestable— how much more so when brought with evil intent!”
Proverbs 21:27 NIV
Let’s make it simple. The Lord isn’t much concerned with our grand gestures, or “spiritual looking” worship, or even our fat tithe checks - if our hearts are hard and set on our own flesh and rebellion. He would rather that we are simply obedient. Obedience in the day to day “little things” translates easily into obedience in the big things… and yes, then in a willingness to sacrifice it all (Romans 12:1-2). That’s reasonable.
Love you all! Dig in!
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