The Acts Of Worship - Bring An Offering (Part 2 of 2)

The Acts Of Worship - Bring An Offering (Part 2 of 2)

1 Chronicles 16:29

“Bring an offering, and come before Him; worship the LORD in holy array.”

Then there was Scott. Scott owned a large business in the area with 30 locations. He volunteered his time to come in and teach those men how to go about getting a job with him. His approach was completely different and it took me by surprise.

Scott would stand in front of the class and say, “Don’t tell me that you’ll show up on time every day. That’s my minimal expectation. I don’t hire people who promise to do the minimum that is required.”

I remember hearing him say that to class after class and then it struck me: that’s what God is saying about our worship. Look at this passage in Isaiah:

Isaiah 1:11-13

“What are your multiplied sacrifices to Me?” Says the LORD. … When you come to appear before Me, who requires of you this trampling of My courts? Bring your worthless offerings no longer. Incense is an abomination to Me. New moon and sabbath, the calling of assemblies— I cannot endure iniquity and the solemn assembly.”

What God is saying is that worship requires something. True worship involves sincerity, obedience, dedication, humility and giving. Yes, giving. Worship requires us to bring something to the table. In fact, God demands it.

Worship is free and a relationship with God costs nothing yet it produces a heart that surrenders everything. You see, a follower of Jesus Christ renounces all and dedicates their very life and soul to Him. Bringing a gift, a tithe or an offering is great but what really pleases God is a man or woman who is all-in; who says, “Take me, Lord, and use my very heart and soul for your glory.”

Psalms 51:16-17

“For You do not delight in sacrifice, otherwise I would give it; You are not pleased with burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; A broken and a contrite heart, O God, You will not despise.”

Tomorrow: Come before Him.