There you have it in a nutshell. Just as Israel repeatedly turned away from God who called them His children, who saved them from captivity, provided for them, and kept taking them back after they had forgotten all these things, it is what He desires for us to do. Have we, too, forgotten all the good God has done for those who love Him?
This one verse shows what God desires. I have read this before, but it stood out so vibrantly this morning! It says to take words to Him, not going to Him and showing how good we perceive ourselves. The only true sacrifice is of our lips.
I hear frequently people will not receive the free gift of salvation because they believe they are not worthy. They want to clean themselves up first, make themselves presentable before the Lord. It doesn't work that way. He wants us to come just as we are and He will do the miraculous act of cleaning us up, changing us from the inside...starting with the heart...out.
We can only receive Christ when we humble ourselves before Him. Jesus came humbly to this earth. He humbly took the beating, spitting, mocking for His honest claim that He was the Son of God. He did this for each of us. Who do we think we are if we believe we can take our perceived goodness before Him and expect Him to receive that? I'm speaking also for myself here. The Word says none of us is good or righteous in ourselves.
If we humbly go to the Lord and take words with us, words of humility, not pride, this is what He will receive. This is non-negotiable this to come humbly. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, a broken and a contrite heart—these, O God, You will not despise. (Psalm 51:17)
He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God? (Micah 6:8)
On another note, imagine an entire country that would do this...
Lord, let us all come boldly before you, no matter where we are in our walk with You, even if we are not walking with You, and let us plead our case: Take away all iniquity; receive us graciously, for we will offer the sacrifices of our lips. We are so unworthy, but You will receive us through Your grace and mercy if our hearts are honest with You. Praise You, Lord, for Your goodness and mercy toward sinners like us. Praise You for what You have done for us. Thank You, Lord.
Hebrews 13:15 - Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name.
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