God requires more than external compliance to commands; He desires INTERNAL RIGHTEOUSNESS. Even though the people were following a procedure and being blameless in regard to the sacrifices, THEY WERE LACKING IN TRUE WORSHIP, “…the hour is coming, and now is, when the TRUE WORSHIPERS will worship the Father IN SPIRIT AND TRUTH; for the Father is SEEKING SUCH TO WORSHIP HIM.” (John 4:23), true worship can only come from a heart filled with agape love for God. “Offer to God thanksgiving (todah: thank offerings) and pay your vows to the Most High. Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I WILL DELIVER YOU, and you shall GLORIFY ME.” (Psalms 50:14-15)
God does not need sacrifices so He can have “food.” God does not need anything; He is the Self-existent One. “If I were hungry, I would not tell you; For THE WORLD IS MINE, and all its fullness. WILL I eat the flesh of bulls, or drink the blood of goats?” (Psalms 50:12-13)
“Therefore, by Him let us CONTINUALLY offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, THE FRUIT OF OUR LIPS, GIVING THANKS TO HIS NAME.” (Hebrews 13:15)
The metaphorical meaning of “the fruit of our lips” meaning the result, outcome, or the product. Jesus challenges us to develop the ability to identify FALSE TEACHERS based on the ‘fruit’ of their lives. “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. You will know them BY THEIR FRUITS…every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is CUT DOWN AND THROWN INTO THE FIRE. THEREFORE, BY THEIR FRUITS, YOU WILL KNOW THEM.” (Matthew 7:15-20)
ONE CANNOT BEAR “BAD FRUIT” AND BE A TRUE WORSHIPER OF GOD.
Your Personal Pastor -Bill Stockham