I have become more Martha than Mary lately. That is my natural bent, even though my name is Merrie (pronounced Mary), I tend to be more task driven - - thus, like Martha from the Bible. She's the sister of Mary and friend of Jesus' that gets all bent out of shape because she's doing all the work to be properly hospitable to Jesus and the gathering at her house. Meanwhile Mary is sitting at Jesus' feet "loafing" (my word) around listening to His teaching. Jesus prefers Mary's attitude... resting, learning, relating, over Martha's business of doing the "right" things.
I have also related myself to Rebekah, Jacob and Esau's mother and Isaac's wife, in that I have, in my sinful nature, found that I "needed" to "help God out" to get His blessing for my son (or my blog, in this case). When I began this ministry I vowed to make this not about me and my words, but wait on God for His messages to be revealed. I haven't been patient. Lately, I haven't been waiting on Him. I'm seeking forgiveness.
As I studied this very short verse of thanks, I found so much rich truth. So many reasons to change my ways and try to become more worthy of doing God's will (not my own). The song "The Motions" by Matthew West came to mind when I considered my inappropriate attitude of "going through the motions" and not truly giving it my all and worshiping with a thankful heart, through the study of God's Word. Listen to this song by clicking on the link (below), and then when you're in the same mind-set as me, click the back arrow to get you back here. OK?
"The Motions" by Matthew West: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qaHmiFaX_pk
So... now that you might be ready to NOT just go through the motions, I'll start getting into that verse I promised you.
"Sacrifice thank offerings to God, fulfill your vows to the Most High" Psalm 50:14
Sacrifices. What are sacrifices in the eyes of God? In earlier posts I have gone into depth with details of different types of offerings of thanks and fellowship. In this psalm God is calling for thank offerings from Israel to acknowledge her dependence on Him. Dependence on His mercies and their need for the privilege of being able to pray to Him in times of trial. Those who do so may expect God's gracious answer to their prayers. God also desires obedience to his moral law. He is calling his covenant people into account. They are being addressed by a Levitical leader on behalf of the Lord. In its rebuke of a false understanding of sacrifice the psalm has a close relation with the prophecies of Isaiah, Amos, and Micah. Herein lies the problem. The problem of the heart. The "going through the motions" or the Mary-style of doing the stuff or practicing the religious rituals but not possessing the "right spirit within." Here's what God has to say about unworthy sacrifices:
From Isaiah 1:11-17
13 “Stop bringing meaningless offerings! Your incense is detestable to me. New Moons, Sabbaths and convocations – I cannot bear your evil assemblies.” 15-17 “When you spread out your hands in prayer, I will hide my eyes from you; even if you offer many prayers, I will not listen. Your hands are full of blood; wash and make yourselves clean. Take your evil deeds out of my sight! Stop doing wrong, learn to do right! Seek justice, encourage the oppressed. Defend the cause of the fatherless, plead the case of the widow.”
In this verse the moral character and conduct of the worshipers, not the number of their religious activities, are most important.
Amos 5:21-24
“I hate, I despise your religious feasts; I cannot stand your assemblies. Even though you bring me burnt offerings and grain offerings, I will not accept them. Though you bring choice fellowship offerings, I will have no regard for them. Away with the noise of your songs! I will not listen to the music of your harps. But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream.”
Please make note of the words justice and righteousness. Prerequisites for acceptance by God. As plant and animal life flourishes where there is water, so human life flourishes where there is justice and righteousness.
Micah 6:8
“He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”
What do I know of holy? I know that I am not holy. But I also know that God desires for me to try to be more like Him. To work towards righteousness and obedience... knowing full well that I will fail. That's what makes our God an awesome God... He wants us to be just and merciful because that's who He is. His grace covers us time and time again. He wants so badly to bless us, that He is prepared in advance to forgive us when we fail, repent and ask for His forgiveness AGAIN. And AGAIN.
There is hope for us in 1 John 1:9 "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." You see... He will PURIFY us from all UNRIGHTEOUSNESS!! That, my friends, is HOLY!
If you're stuck and don't have the words to confess your sins, just pray the prayer from Psalm 51:10-12
"Create in me a pure heart, O God,
and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Do not cast me from your presence
or take your Holy Spirit from me.
Restore to me the joy of your salvation
and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me."
God has certainly gotten ahold of me... again. I want to let go of my pride. I want to bring a worthy sacrifice of thanks and worship and obedience before Him. I know that there is no life apart from God... I need Him to guide me and direct me and forgive me when I fail. I want to do His will... not mine.
“Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise – the fruit of lips that confess his name.” Hebrews 13:15
Today I am thankful that God knows my heart. He created me, and He's not willing to leave me alone until I become more like Him. And as I become more like Him, I can't help but develop a close relationship with Him... a proper relationship.
“Sacrifice and offering you did not desire, buy my ears you have pierced, burnt offerings and sin offerings you did not require. Then I said, “Here I am, I have come – it is written about me in the scroll. I desire to do your will, O my God; your law is within my heart.” Psalm 40:6-7
"Lay Me Down" by Chris Tomlin: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1N2SbY3dJuM
"And be thankful." Colossians 3:15b
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