Proverbs 21:3: To do righteousness and justice is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.
Insight
Here we have the tremendous truth stated for us again that there is no value in simply going through a religious ritual. Remember that the Old Testament sacrifices were given because they pointed to Jesus Christ. No one was more faithful about going through those rituals than the Pharisees, the religious rulers of Jesus’ day. But He denounced them in withering language. He scorched them. He told them they looked like beautiful monuments on the outside but inside were full of dead men’s bones. He said He wanted mercy, not sacrifice. 1
Application
Paul taught us what the first order of service was in Romans 12:1, when it comes to living out our faith: “I beseech you, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.”
Do you know what it means to present yourself to God? It means He is the Master and you are His servant. When you awake in the morning, do you greet your wonderful Master with a heart of praise? Do you express your love for Him and ask Him to cleanse your heart? Do you submit to His will by saying wherever and whenever, I am available for your service? Are you willing to do His will most joyfully?
Motivation
For I desire mercy and not sacrifice, and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings. Hosea 6:6
Be careful not to equate doing your religious duties with thinking you’re in a right relationship with God. – TWEET IT
Prayer
Father, please teach me how to live for You out of devotion and not duty.
1. McGee, J. V. (1991). Thru the Bible commentary: Poetry (Proverbs) (electronic ed., Vol. 20). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.
