Judgment. God’s judgment. Do you fear it? Ask, how have I lived, and who do I follow? Here we hear of how God is tired of sacrifices. He doesn’t “need” them. What he wants is US, our “true thanks” and trust. That doesn’t seem like it should be that hard, does it? I found it interesting in verse 16, it’s like God is totally disowning the “wicked”. He calls them out, “don’t pretend…” God sees it all. Everything. Even those things we do in secret. He knows who is wicked, whether on the outside or in the heart. We can try to fool ourselves, but then who is the fool?
Trust God, not yourself. He will provide rescue for us. I don’t feel especially afraid today in fact, I feel totally blessed by all the beauty that surrounds me. God has given us so much, how can I not trust him? I am awed by his love for me.
We’re coming up on Lent in less than a week, and there has been an ongoing celebration here in our Mexican town. It will culminate the night before Ash Wednesday. The “Chapala Carnaval” has brought in live musicians, rides and entertainment, food vendors, a circus and other attractions. I see the children’s faces full of expectation. I want my face to hold that same joy in the presence of God.
God wants our thanks as our sacrifice. What things are you thankful for today? I love giving thanks to God for all that he has done and is doing for me. Grab a piece of paper and begin a list in your quiet prayer time today, thanking God for each item you place on this list. Tuck this list into your Bible and refer to it often. Perhaps adding to it when new reasons for thanksgiving manifest themselves. God wants our thanks! It honors him greatly.
Let’s pray. Father God, I thank you and my heart is overflowing. Your grace and mercy abounds for me, and I am so full of thanksgiving. I give you my heart and my life. Do with it what you will. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
