To do righteousness and justice is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.
Proverbs 21:3 NRSV
In Leviticus, we read about all the sacrifices the people and priests offered. While these were an essential component of worship and praise, what God desired was a right heart. In Isaiah 1:11, God speaks to the prophet, "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 fed beasts; I do not delight in the blood of bulls, or of lambs, or of goats." God goes on to speak about what is acceptable, "Wash yourselves; make yourselves clean; remove the evil of your doings from before my eyes; cease to do evil, learn to do good; seek justice, rescue the oppressed, defend the orphan, plead for the widow." (16-17)
While we no longer offer burnt sacrifice in the temple, we make this same commitment to righteousness and justice. At the center of all we do is our love for Jesus. In loving him, we follow his example.
God, thank you for your Son, who through his death atoned for our sins. We desire to do righteousness and justice but confess we fall short. Father, we thank you for your patience. Please help us in our walk and to become the people you desire. We ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Peace,
Pastor Tim
