Daily Devotions
Ephesians
"And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us, and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma."
Text: Ephesians 5:2
THE SAD CORRUPTION OF A GOOD SYSTEM OF WORSHIP
Over the years, the good system of worship that God gave Israel became corrupted badly. The prophet Isaiah noted the corruption of the system in his book.
Therefore the LORD said:
Inasmuch as these people draw near with their mouths
And honour Me with their lips,
But have removed their hearts far from Me,
And their fear toward Me is taught by the commandment of men.
ISAIAH 29:13
1. Lip Worship
For all wants and purposes, formal worship was offered to God. The following elements may be presented to God formally:-
a) Prayers
b) Offerings
c) Praise (Hymn singing)
d) Sacrifices
2. Heart worship
This was sadly missing. Formal worship was not what God desired. And where the heart is not in worship, all the elements of worship are performed in vain.
A GLIMPSE OF THE KIND OF WORSHIP THAT GOD REJECTED
Isaiah detailed the kind of worship that Israel continued to offer God- but all were rejected.
Bring no more futile sacrifices,
Incense is an abomination to Me,
The New Moons, the Sabbaths, and the calling of assemblies,
I cannot endure iniquity and the sacred meeting.
Your New Moons and your appointed feasts
My soul hates;
They are a trouble to Me, I am weary of bearing them.
When you spread out your hands, I will hide My eyes from you.
Even though you make many prayers, I will not hear.
Your hands are full of blood.
ISAIAH 1:13-15
Israel had miserably failed to comprehend the kind of worship and offerings that God would be pleased with. What a terrible mistake that was!