25.074 | THE SACRIFICE OF THE WICKED IS DETESTABLE | Proverbs 21:27 | God’s Word for Today with Pastor Nazario Sinon

God’s Word For Today

Text: Proverbs 21:27 (ESV)

27 The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination;

how much more when he brings it with evil intent.

THE SACRIFICE OF THE WICKED IS DETESTABLE

Scripture often reminds us that God judges more than mere actions. Every act is inspired by attitudes, thoughts, and motives, which matter just as much to the Lord (Mat 5:21–22, 27–28). Here, the Bible notes that when the "wicked," meaning those ungodly and guilty, try to offer Him gifts or sacrifices, He is repulsed. The Hebrew root word translated as "abomination" here literally means something disgusting. Earlier in the book of Proverbs, Solomon noted that God despises sacrifices from wicked people, but accepts even the prayers of righteous persons (Prov 15:8).

What repels God is not the sacrifice itself, but the intent of the person making it. God rebuked the Jews not for failing to offer sacrifices but for doing it with irreverence. They think God is as His creature to feel hungry and in in need. [Psa 50:7-15] It's bad enough when someone who defies God attempts to offer sacrifice. It's even worse when that person thinks they can offer sacrifice to make up for sins for which they have no repentance. In other words, God is especially sickened when a person feels no remorse for sin and thinks they can buy God's forgiveness. Likewise, when someone tries to gain God's favor in some inappropriate scheme.

The Lord instituted the Old Testament sacrificial system and intended it to be used by worshipers whose hearts were sincere in honoring Him. Though the sacrifices were external, there should be tangible evidence of the person's internal faith. Outward sacrifices were never intended to be a substitute for a broken and contrite heart. Although the sacrificial system was fulfilled when Christ offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice believers today may offer their bodies to God as a living sacrifice (Heb 10:13–14; Rom 12:1–2). Take for example in giving money to God. He wants us to give willingly and joyfully as our way to worship Him (2 Cor 9:6–8). Yet it is detestable to give money to God with the purpose of appeasing Him or obtaining His help for personal gain. Let’s be warned not to be like Simon the magician. “When Simon saw that the Spirit was given through the laying on of the apostles' hands, he offered them money, saying, “Give me this power also, so that anyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.” [Acts 8:18-20]

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