June 26, 2025 -When Sacrifice Becomes Sin

HOSEA 2:14-8:14

Chronological Bible Readings

Hosea 6:6 For I desire mercy, not sacrifice,

   and acknowledgment of God rather than burnt offerings.

Hosea 8:11 “Though Ephraim built many altars for sin offerings,

    these have become altars for sinning.

12 I wrote for them the many things of my law,

    but they regarded them as something foreign.

13 Though they offer sacrifices as gifts to me,

    and though they eat the meat,

    the Lord is not pleased with them.

Now he will remember their wickedness

    and punish their sins:

    They will return to Egypt.

Over and over again God tells his people that He desires mercy not sacrifice. A heart for God more than a burnt offering. Right now I have been seeking wisdom about getting things done. I am confident that God is directing a group of people that I am part of to move, grow and do. It can be frustrating when there are obstacles to those things getting done as quickly as I would like. I thank God for His word. He reminds me that it is not about anything that we do. It is about our hearts being surrendered to God. If our heart is right, then it doesn't matter if anybody or anything interferes with our ability to do what we think we are to be "doing". There will be no stress, no anxiety, frustration or fear because God can do anything. And with a heart right with God I will live in that truth! He can overcome any obstacle. And He will do it in His timing regardless of any opposition we may run into. 11 “Though Ephraim built many altars for sin offerings,

    these have become altars for sinning."

Wow what an eye opener. When the doing of things becomes so important that we stop trusting God and His sovereignty our service/sacrifice becomes sin as we are not living in the truth. I think it is even possible for the church to become sin for us. If our work in the church is what defines us and is controlling us, then it becomes our identity instead of finding our identity in Christ. We can go through all the motions and say all the right words but when we start thinking more about ourselves. Here is what I think. What do others think? That's not how we do it. I need to get this done. Why is this so difficult for me? Why is no one listening to me? I need to deal with these people and or things stopping me from getting this done. Then we are no longer acknowledging God's role in any of it. We are saying in our hearts that God is not sovereign and is not in control. Yes, I believe that God has specific things that He wants to accomplish in this group. I know that He has positioned people there to work through to make those things happen. He has given them a passionate desire to act, as well as the gifs and talents to do so. However, He also is reminding me that He is the one doing it not us. He is the one with a plan that will be followed not mine. This gives me great comfort when I begin to feel frustrated because today, I am also sure that there is nothing that I can do that He hasn't already prepared in advance for me to be doing and I can rest in that. He has reminded me to lay down my pride, opinions and desires and give Him my heart so that I might be able to have a heart of mercy that is fully trusting in the Lord. I can continue to speak and do what I feel God has put on my heart to do but the outcome is up to the Lord.