Corrupt Offerings

Because he loves the Israelites, God has poured his heart and soul into making a way for them to be connected to him. Yet, they dismiss and disregard the sacrificial system, which reveals their shallow faith. May we examine our own offerings to God and consider how we can show him honor by pouring out our lives for him.

Application

1. Honoring God means our faith is integrated into every aspect of our lives. Take some time to reflect—are there any inconsistencies in your life? Any area where you live differently?

2. Sacrifices communicate value. What kinds of sacrifices are you making? What do they communicate about your view of God?

3. Sacrifices require faith. Consider your money, time, words, and worship. What are you prone to withhold from God?

Key Points

• The Israelites have been offering corrupt sacrifices to God, which reveals their entitlement and contempt for him.

• Our sacrifices don’t in any way pay God back for what he has done, but they should be meaningful, substantial gestures of love and worship.

• Withholding sacrifice is an attempt to bless or protect ourselves. Sacrifice requires vulnerability.

• God abhors deception. He would rather have no sacrifices than half-hearted ones.

• Our glorification of busyness and self-importance works against God’s plan to bless us through the gospel.

Other Scripture References

Hebrews 12

Hebrews 9:22

1 Chronicles 21:24

Revelation 3

2 Timothy 4:6

Romans 12:1

1 Peter 1:18–19