January 30, 2025 - Exodus 28-31

“Then bring near to you Aaron your brother, and his sons with him, from among the people of Israel, to serve me as priest – Aaron and Aaron’s sons, Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar. And you shall make holy garments for Aaron your brother, for glory and for beauty” (28:1-2).  The worship of God involves both physical matters and human beings.  This sounds a bit odd to our ears when we read a passage such as Isaiah 1:11 – “What to me is the multitude of your sacrifices?  says the Lord; I have had enough of burnt offerings of rams and the fat of well-fed beasts; I do not delight in the blood of bulls, or of lambs, or of goats.”  Or, what about Hosea 6:6 – “I desire steadfast love and not sacrifice, the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings.”  Or Amos 5:21-24 – “I hate, I despise your feasts, and I take no delight in your solemn assemblies.  Even though you offer me your burnt offerings and grain offerings, I will not accept them; and the peace offerings of your fattened animals, I will not look upon them.  Take away from me the noise of your songs; to the melody of your harps I will not listen.  But let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.”  Of course, we understand the significance of Isaiah, Hosea, and Amos:  It is possible to physically perform rituals without true worship and adoration.  It’s always a good idea to ask ourselves questions:  Why do I attend church? Why do I read my Bible?  Why do I perform works of mercy?  Do I truly love God?  The answers to those questions will reveal the true nature of our hearts.

Oft we come together,

Oft we sing and pray;

Here we bring our offering

On this holy day.

Help us Lord,

Thy love to see,

May we all in truth and spirit Worship Thee.   --Tillit S. Teddlie (1944)