In the first chapter of his book the prophet Isaiah preaches a message which must have sent the people of Israel running for cover. His Words, on behalf of God, are truly devastating-
“When you appear before me, who has required this from your hand- to trample my courts?
Bring me no more useless sacrifices; your incense is an abomination to me.
I cannot endure your sacred meetings.
When you spread out your hands- I will hide my eyes from you.
Even though you make many prayers I will not hear”
We may well ask why God was so sick to death of what is going on in his own Temple. In the following verses it becomes clear that, despite the great religious show that went on in God’s Name, the people of Israel were just playing religion. This is obvious as, as soon as they left the Temple, they were living like hell. To God this was not on and would not be tolerated.
Nothing has changed in the intervening centuries. Worship, no matter how enthusiastically engaged in, and regardless of the ‘pomp and ceremony’, will only be accepted from a heart of repentance and faith in Jesus. Repentance is turning from all known disobedience to God. Faith is trusting in Jesus alone for mercy.
Have you worshiped God recently?