What Pleases God?

O. T. #1564  "What Pleases God?"
Nov. 12, 2019
Isaiah 1-Part 4

LET IT GLOW


Last time we found out that Judah had a very small remnant which God protected. They would remain faithful believers and worshiper of the God of Israel. Even through the 70 years of captivity in Babylon, they would continue on.

Why was God saying that He would not listen to Judah? In their temple worship:

• They paraded through His courts with their ceremony. (verse 12)
• They brought meaningless gifts. (verse 13)
• Their oblations (sacrificial offering) and special days for fasting were sinful and false.(verse 13)
• Their hands were covered with the blood of innocent victims. (verse 15)

Those are the reasons God would not listen to the prayers, was sickened by Judah's offerings, had no pleasure in their sacrifices, was burdened with their feasts and fasting, and wanted no more of their pious meetings.

Folks, this is serious. Judah was failing to please God because of their sins. His special people were just going through the motions when they worshiped. Their heart was not in it.
Are we guilty of the same things?
Are our prayers not being answered?


LET IT GROW

What was the solution? God tells Judah in verses 16-20:

• Wash your hands and be clean!
• Get your sins out of God's sight.
• Give up your evil ways.
• Learn to do good.
• Seek justice.
• Help the oppressed.
• Defend the cause of orphans.
• Fight for the rights of widows. New Living Translation  

Wow! Is their anything we are not doing from the list?
How do we get a  clean heart? Confess our sins and ask God to forgive us through the blood of Jesus.

LET IT GO

Lord, it is not my gifts You want from me, but my heart and life.
Teach me what pleases You.
Show me how to meet the needs of others.