Topic: Unacceptable Sacrifice [Wednesday October 7, 2015]
Text: Jeremiah 11:15-23
Key Verse: “For the LORD of hosts, that planted thee, hath pronounced evil against thee, for the evil of the house of Israel and of the house of Judah, which they have done against themselves to provoke me to anger in offering incense unto Baal” (Jeremiah 11:17).
Elisabeth Elliot, a Christian author, told a story of her brother, Thomas Howard, when they were young. Their mother let him play with paper bags if only he would put them away afterwards. One day, their mother walked into the kitchen and found paper bags strewn all over the floor, but Thomas was with their father at the piano, singing hymns. When she confronted him, he protested, “But Mom, I want to sing”. But their father rebuked, “It’s no good singing God’s praise if you’re disobedient”.
The people of Judah had yokes of sin hanging on their necks. Instead of repenting of those sins, they went to offer sacrifice to God, as if they could appease Him and get their misconduct quashed. Though they were God’s chosen people, He told them that they were not qualified to offer sacrifice because they have not repented of their iniquities. Their sacrifices would not make things right before Him, so they must face His wrath.
Although God planted them as a tree, He would destroy them for worshipping Baal. Instead of making efforts to reconcile with God, the people of Judah plotted to eliminate Prophet Jeremiah who brought the message to them. Even after he was warned, the prophet did not cease to preach because he was committed to God and trusted that He would protect him. He was not only assured of protection, God also threatened to visit them with His anger. Their young men, God said, would die violently while others would die by famine. No one can battle with the Lord. He has the power to cast the wicked men into hell.
Therefore, there is no fortress that can serve as a defence against His power. The enemies can associate themselves yet God will easily break them into pieces. For Him to be your Shield and Buckler, you need to live a life of total purity of heart. It is only then that your sacrifice can be acceptable before Him.
Thought for the day: The flame of purest sacrifice burns unseen but not unaccepted
Bible Reading in one Year: Luke 11-12
DCLM Daily Manna was written by Pastor William Folorunso Kumuyi; is the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Life Bible Church situated at KM 42 on the busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Nigeria.
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