👉(Reading: Isaiah 1:10-20)
🗓️ Sunday, March 22
📜 "Bring no more vain oblations; … the new moons and sabbaths, the calling of assemblies, I cannot away with; it is iniquity, even the solemn meeting" Isaiah 1:13 (KJV).
📋 Christianity has suffered a heavy backlash within and without Christian circles because of the lack of true Christ-likeness in the church. Iniquity entails all forms of sin against God and man: injustices and unrighteous lifestyles. In today's text, God complains about the hypocrisy of his people who have turned to idols and all forms of wickedness.
God alludes to them as Sodom and Gomorrah. The people seemed to be more interested in celebrations of new moon festivals, sabbaths and calling of convocations without having the right heart for God. The mercy of God however caused him to offer them the opportunity for repentance (vv. 18-20).
Today, we have many solemn assemblies such as church services and programmes that do not make for proper transformation. Some with well- rehearsed music and word ministrations meant to make us feel good are deemed anointed, yet the lifestyles of these ministers and other members do not project Christ. God through Isaiah is reminding us that he hates such assemblies.
God desires our obedience more than the sacrifices of the lips in thanksgiving or of our substances in tithes and offerings. Are you still living in sin but enjoying all the fantasies of church services? God says they are a solemn assembly filled with iniquity. Let your worship be holy and acceptable.
🔑 Key Lesson: God prefers our transformation above our sacrifices.
📚 Meditation and Prayer: Father, help me to please you by
living in truth and in spirit.
📚 Further Reading: 1 Samuel 15:1-3, 20-23.
◾ The Bible in One Year: 1 Samuel 1-3.