Worship God Hates - September 23 Readings: Isaiah 1, 2 Corinthians 8:1–15, Psalm 107:22–28, Proverbs 23:21–23

Links to September 23 Readings: Isaiah 1, 2 Corinthians 8:1–15, Psalm 107:22–28, Proverbs 23:21–23

Isaiah is often called the prince of prophets because of the grandeur and power of his prophecy. He was a member of the royal family who spoke the word of the Lord boldly and without fear. Second only to Psalms in length, it is one of the most quoted Old Testament books and it contains many of the best known prophecies of the coming of the Messiah, Jesus Christ.

The first chapter makes on thing clear - something that people today need to remember. "All religions are the same," people say. "It doesn't matter what you believe as long as you are sincere, good and kind." Whatever you believe, whatever religion you practice, its fine as long as it makes you happy. God does not feel that way, according to Isaiah 1. Look at what verses 10-15 say.

Hear the word of the Lord, you rulers of Sodom! Listen to the instruction of our God, you people of Gomorrah!“What are all your sacrifices to Me?” asks the Lord. “I have had enough of burnt offerings and rams and the fat of well-fed cattle; I have no desire for the blood of bulls, lambs, or male goats.When you come to appear before Me, who requires this from you— this trampling of My courts?Stop bringing useless offerings. Your incense is detestable to Me. New Moons and Sabbaths, and the calling of solemn assemblies— I cannot stand iniquity with a festival.I hate your New Moons and prescribed festivals. They have become a burden to Me; I am tired of putting up with them.When you lift up your hands in prayer, I will refuse to look at you; even if you offer countless prayers, I will not listen. Your hands are covered with blood.

Israel was living in sin - so much that God addressed them as Sodom and Gomorrah. In verse 11, he made it clear that all their sacrifices - the practice of their religion - meant nothing to him. Even though they were commanded by God, they were meaningless, because of the sinful and unrepentant hearts that were bringing the offerings. He describes their religion as a "trampling of my courts" in verse 12. But it even gets worse than that. In verse 13, their incense (often a representation of prayers) were "detestable" and God "hated" their festivals and solemn assemblies. Israel's religion was a burden to him and he refused to listen to their prayers.

Here are God's chosen people engaging in "worship" and God says he hates it. And there is a special reason for that. Their hearts were full of sin, unrepentant sin. They did not serve God and they did not care. They thought that going through the motions of worship and religion would satisfy God and they could continue as they pleased.

There are two things that are a part of true religion, true worship. First, it must be done in the manner than God prescribes. In the Old Testament, that meant bringing an offering to the tabernacle or temple and offering it according to the Law. In the New Testament, worship must focus on the Crucified and Risen Christ, his reconciling work on our behalf.

But worship must also be bathed in repentance and the redemption that follows. We cannot simply waltz into the presence of God, perform a few rituals, and assume that God is going to be impressed by that. We must come with humble and repentant hearts, confessing our sin and yielding to the Lordship of Jesus Christ in all things. Verses 18-20 spell this out.

Come, let us discuss this,” says the Lord.
“Though your sins are like scarlet,
they will be as white as snow;
though they are as red as crimson,
they will be like wool.
If you are willing and obedient,
you will eat the good things of the land.
But if you refuse and rebel,
you will be devoured by the sword.”
For the mouth of the Lord has spoken.

There is hope for sinners like us. Our scarlet sins can become white like snow - there is redemption and renewal in Christ. Of course, we must be "willing and obedient" instead of "refus(ing) and rebel(ling)." 

Father, I thank you that you receive sincere worship and open your heart to your people. But may my devotion to you be pure, repentant, humble and submissive.