God desires mercy and not sacrifice
"For I desired mercy, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings." Hosea 6:6 (Read all of Hosea 6)
For many, Christianity is simply an outward ritual to be followed to receive the forgiveness of sins and avoid the eternal fires of hell. Thus, sin is no big deal -- it's okay -- because all you have to do to receive forgiveness is to confess your sins and receive absolution.
In Old Testament days, there were those who thought the same way. They felt all was okay with their souls as long as they offered the prescribed sacrifices. But what does God say in His Word? "For I desired mercy, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings" (Hosea 6:6).
What does this mean? God does not desire mere sacrifice and burnt offerings. He does not desire us to merely go through the motions of worship -- including confession and absolution. He desires hearts which are truly penitent -- which acknowledge sin, look to God for mercy and then show that same love and mercy to others. Instead of going through the outward motions of worship and giving to God our offerings, God desires that we truly know Him, trust Him and walk in His ways (cf. Luke 3:7-9).
God's Word, recorded in the prophet Micah, says, "He hath shewed thee, O man, what [is] good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?" (6:8; cf. v.6-8; Deut. 10:12-13).
And what did Jesus say? Read Matthew 9:9-13 and 12:1-9. Jesus pointed out the foolishness of those who so strictly followed their religious traditions, careful not to become unclean and offering all the prescribed sacrifices but failing to truly know the LORD God and walk in His ways by showing love and mercy to others. Jesus pointed out the hypocrisy of the religious Jews, saying in Matthew 15:7-9: "[Ye] hypocrites, well did Esaias prophesy of you, saying, This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with [their] lips; but their heart is far from me. But in vain they do worship me, teaching [for] doctrines the commandments of men."
And what is the point for us today? God's desire for us is that we be truly penitent -- genuinely sorry for our sins and trusting in God to show us mercy and forgiveness for the sake of Christ Jesus and His atoning sacrifice on the cross. Outward religion -- simply going through the motions on Sunday while our hearts are far from the LORD and His ways just won't cut it in the end!
O LORD God, forgive our sins, cleanse our hearts and grant that we know You, trust You and walk in Your ways, all for Jesus' sake. Amen.
[Devotion by Randy Moll. Scripture from the King James Version of the Bible. More devotions at www.goodshepherdrogers.org.]
Editorial on 11/12/2014