“I want you to SHOW LOVE, not offer sacrifices. I want you to KNOW ME more than I want burnt offerings.” (Hosea 6:6)
Hosea was one of many prophets that warned the nation of Israel against unfaithfulness to God, He cried out for the people to REPENT. Offerings and oblations that are just following an established routine are unacceptable to the Lord, He desires that His people serve Him out of DEVOTION, OBEDIENCE and LOVE. The Lord is not interested in empty words, shallow worship, frigid feelings, superficial service or legalistic rituals. He desires TRUTH in the inward parts and A HEART THAT IS OBEDIENT to His Word. He longs for a people who are GENUINE, FAITHFUL, MERCIFUL and desire to carry out His will in their lives.
The Bible says God, “…richly provides us with EVERYTHING to enjoy.” (1 Timothy 6:17). “He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust” (Matthew 5:45). “The God who made the world and everything in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in temples made by man, nor is He served by human hands, as though He needed anything, since He Himself gives TO ALL MANKIND life and breath and everything…In Him WE LIVE AND MOVE AND HAVE OUR BEING” (Acts 17:24-28). This is why we are to SHOW LOVE to God and seek to KNOW HIM more intimately!
Your Personal Pastor -Bill Stockham