This Proverb says, “The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination, how much more when he brings it with evil intent.” In ancient Israel, religion focused on making sacrifices to atone for sin. People would bring animals such as goats, sheep, or oxen to the Temple in Jerusalem and give them to the priests. The priests would then slaughter the animals and burn their flesh on the altar.
People were following religious rules with their sacrifices. However, many were not sacrificing with the desire to worship God. They were just going through the motions. Their hearts were far from God.
God wants us to worship Him with proper intent and motivation. As this Proverb says, God doesn’t want us to simply go through the motions. God doesn’t want our sacrifice if our hearts are not right before Him. He rather wants us to worship Him in ‘Spirit and in Truth.’
Unfortunately, much of religion has morphed into simply going through the motions. The leadership tells the people that they must attend services to please God. They must go through the motions. Additionally, they must attend Church on a specific day or it won’t count. This is nonsense.
It is not important where or when we worship God. It is important how we worship God. We must read the Bible to know how to please God. We must read the Bible to know how to love God. The Bible is available to all of us. It should become our daily companion if we want to follow the path that leads to Heaven.
