How can we ensure our sacrifices align with God's will, not like in Isaiah 57:6? Setting the Scene Isaiah 57 exposes a heartbreaking picture: God’s people were pouring out offerings to “smooth stones” instead of to the living God. He asks, “Should I be pleased with these?” (Isaiah 57:6). The question still echoes today: How do we make sure our sacrifices truly please Him? The Problem in Isaiah’s Day • Idolatry disguised as worship • External rituals without loyal hearts • Human ideas replacing God’s revealed will Principles for Acceptable Sacrifices • Start with obedience: “To obey is better than sacrifice” (1 Samuel 15:22). • Keep the heart tender: “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit” (Psalm 51:17). • Offer what He asks, not what we invent: “Whatever I command you, be careful to do; you must not add to it or subtract from it” (Deuteronomy 12:32). • Center everything on Christ’s once-for-all offering (Hebrews 10:10). • Align motive and method: “Let all that you do be done in love” (1 Corinthians 16:14). Scriptural Portraits of God-Pleasing Sacrifice • Abel’s firstborn offering (Genesis 4:4) — faith-filled and costly • Abraham’s willingness with Isaac (Genesis 22) — total surrender • The Macedonians giving “beyond their ability” (2 Corinthians 8:3-5) — joyful generosity • Mary breaking the alabaster jar (Mark 14:3-9) — extravagant devotion • Believers praised for “doing good and sharing” (Hebrews 13:16) — practical love Practical Ways to Live It Out 1. Begin each day by presenting yourself: “Offer your bodies as living sacrifices” (Romans 12:1). 2. Weigh every gift—time, money, service—by Scripture, not culture. 3. Cultivate private worship so public offerings overflow from sincerity. 4. Examine motives: ask if love for God and neighbor drives the action. 5. Seek accountability; invite mature believers to speak into your stewardship. Checkpoints for Discernment • Does this sacrifice violate or fulfill a clear command? • Is Christ’s glory or my recognition the outcome? • Would I still give it if no one ever noticed? • Does it build up the body of Christ (Ephesians 4:12)? • Is it marked by gratitude, not guilt (Colossians 3:17)? Encouragement and Hope Because Jesus “gave Himself for us” (Titus 2:14), our offerings are no longer attempts to earn favor; they are grateful responses. As we anchor every sacrifice in His Word and His finished work, we avoid the empty rituals condemned in Isaiah 57 and walk in the joyful privilege of giving God what delights His heart. |
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