Scripture

Our verse for today comes from Psalm 51:16, “For You do not desire sacrifice, or else I would give it; You do not delight in burnt offering.”

Background

In the old television show Happy Days, Richie Cunningham was a cute, dependable, clean cut teenager growing up in the ’50s who was well-liked by practically all of his classmates. He had a couple of goofy friends, was tight with the dropout who was feared by all but was fair and kind at heart, and even mixed with the cool guys and the popular girls. In one episode, there was a certain beautiful girl that he and everyone else had a crush on. As it happened, she and Richie began studying together in the evenings at her house. And to Richie’s great delight, on the very first night of studying, the girl began the study time by first asking Richie if he wanted to kiss her. Surprised, but thrilled, Richie willingly obliged. And each successive night that they studied, the evening would begin this exact same way. As you might expect, Richie was ecstatic to think that this prized jewel would have feelings for him like he had for her. But then he learned the truth. This girl shared a kiss with every boy she studied with. That way, the boys could stop fantasizing about a kiss they hoped to get, and they could focus on the books. The lovely maiden offered a kiss, but she had a higher purpose in mind.

Application

God prescribed a number of offerings and sacrifices for His people to perform under the law. And in our time of grace under Christ, we have developed various methods and programs that we follow to worship and seek Him, on Sundays and throughout the week. But as the Israelites did centuries ago, we can misinterpret the means as the ends. Reading scripture and attending Sunday school and the worship service are not the goal. God has a higher purpose in mind. He didn’t redeem us to serve on committees and sit on a pew for an hour or so a week. What delight does that give Him? Does He care that you’re there every week with your Bible in hand if you’re resentful or judgmental? Would you welcome someone into your house with that attitude? God can feel delight, and He wants that to be our higher calling.

Charge

As we seek Him today, ask God to take you beyond the sacrifice and the offering to the heart of His purpose, and set your mind on bringing Him delight.

Salvation – Eternal Life in Less Than 150 Words