What does "the LORD does not accept them" imply about God's expectations for obedience? Setting the Scene “This is what the LORD says about this people: ‘Truly they love to wander; they do not restrain their feet. So the LORD does not accept them; He will now remember their iniquity and punish their sins.’” Divine Non-Acceptance—What It Means • “Accept” pictures covenant favor, pleasure, and fellowship. • When God says He does not accept someone, it is not indifference—it is active rejection of their worship, prayers, and works (cf. Isaiah 1:13-15; Psalm 66:18). • The phrase underscores that outward religious activity cannot outweigh inward rebellion. God’s Clear Expectations for Obedience 1. Whole-hearted loyalty – Deuteronomy 10:12-13: “What does the LORD your God ask of you…?” 2. Restrained wandering – Proverbs 4:26-27: “Give careful thought to the paths for your feet… do not swerve.” 3. Obedience over ritual – 1 Samuel 15:22: “To obey is better than sacrifice.” 4. Genuine repentance when sin occurs 5. Ongoing faithfulness to covenant commands Why External Religion Falls Short • Isaiah 1:11-17 and Hosea 6:6 show God rejecting offerings without righteousness. • Matthew 15:8-9: “This people honors Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me.” • God insists on obedience that flows from love, not performance to placate Him. Consequences of Persistent Disobedience • “He will now remember their iniquity” (Jeremiah 14:10) points to judgment finally executed. • Hebrews 10:26-27 warns that willful sin after knowing truth invites “fearful expectation of judgment.” • Divine rejection leads to broken fellowship, loss of blessing, and eventual discipline. The Way Back—God Still Welcomes Repentance • Jeremiah 3:12-13: “Return…for I am merciful.” • 2 Chronicles 7:14 shows national restoration hinges on humility and turning. • Luke 15:18-24 illustrates the Father’s readiness to receive the repentant. Living It Out Today • Examine motives—are my acts of worship fueled by love or duty? • Obey promptly—delayed obedience is disobedience (James 4:17). • Guard the drift—small compromises lead to “wandering feet.” • Keep short accounts—confess sin quickly, receive cleansing, resume obedience. • Rest in Christ—His perfect obedience secures acceptance (Ephesians 1:6), yet He still calls His people to “walk in a manner worthy of the Lord” (Colossians 1:10). “The LORD does not accept them” is a sober reminder: God expects real, heart-level obedience that matches His revealed will. Anything less forfeits His smile, but genuine repentance restores it. |
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