Warning for the Ritualistic (Isa 66:1 - 4)

The last chapter of the Book of Isaiah starts with a warning against our ritualistic worship without a humble and surrendering heart.


Isaiah 66:1-4

66 

This is what the Lord says: “The heavens are my throne and the earth is my footstool.

Where then is the house you will build for me? Where is the place where I will rest?

2 My hand made them; that is how they came to be,” says the Lord.

“I show special favor to the humble and contrite, who respect what I have to say.

3 The one who slaughters a bull also strikes down a man;

the one who sacrifices a lamb also breaks a dog’s neck;

the one who presents an offering includes pig’s blood with it;

the one who offers incense also praises an idol.

They have decided to behave this way; they enjoy these disgusting practices.

4 So I will choose severe punishment for them;

I will bring on them what they dread, because I called, and no one responded.

I spoke and they did not listen. They did evil before me; they chose to do what displeases me.”


Do not think you can do anything for me by offering sacrifices in the house made by humans. The heavens, the earth, and all in it, including your sacrificed animals, my hand made them all.

I want your humble and contrite heart, which is paying attention to my words.

Otherwise, your offering has no meaning for me. It is the same as just killing animals. You are seeking the Lord for your pleasure. This is the same attitude in the idol worship.

They chose to please themselves by worshipping me. This hypocrisy displeased me. It was disgusting to me. I will punish them.

Note that their sacrifice incurred the Lord's punishment, not a blessing. 

Please humble your heart before the Lord when you go to the worship today and listen to His words. He hates ritualistic service coming for our own satisfaction without caring for God's heart.

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