So what's the big deal that
Uzziah wishes to offer up incense to the Lord; after all, it's to the
Lord that it is being offered and not to some... god! Besides, this is
only done out of obvious love and appreciation for the Lord. What could
be so wrong? There are a few flaws with this mode of thought:
1. Jesus says in John 14:15, "If you love me keep my commandment." When we are invited to "reason together" (Isa 1:18) it is not to negotiate about the rules of service to Him, but so He can tell us what to do.
2. We're never going to be good enough to get in on our own merit. Isaiah tells us that, "all our righteous acts are like filthy rags." Isa 64:6. Our only guarantee of acceptance with our holy God is Jesus Christ, "the way, the truth, and the life." John 14: 6. There's no getting around this fact.
3. While in general thinking it's not a bad thing to want to make generous offerings and gestures to God, we're not however at liberty to either defy or replace any rules or procedures that He has laid down. For example, nothing is wrong in assembling for worship on a Sunday, but it must not replace the Sabbath. Irrespective of how much love with which we may do this, it is wrong. Jesus had some strong words for those who defy His laws, "But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men." Matt 15:9; Mark 7:7.
Resolve
"God is a spirit, and they that worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth." John 4: 24.
Father in Heaven, today we purpose to worship You only as You require it. May our hearts never be so lifted up in our own righteousness that we think we can negotiate our way around Jesus Christ Your son and our Saviour, amen.
This reading is based on 2 Chronicles 26. To read and/or listen to this chapter and read other related blogs, please go here.
1. Jesus says in John 14:15, "If you love me keep my commandment." When we are invited to "reason together" (Isa 1:18) it is not to negotiate about the rules of service to Him, but so He can tell us what to do.
2. We're never going to be good enough to get in on our own merit. Isaiah tells us that, "all our righteous acts are like filthy rags." Isa 64:6. Our only guarantee of acceptance with our holy God is Jesus Christ, "the way, the truth, and the life." John 14: 6. There's no getting around this fact.
3. While in general thinking it's not a bad thing to want to make generous offerings and gestures to God, we're not however at liberty to either defy or replace any rules or procedures that He has laid down. For example, nothing is wrong in assembling for worship on a Sunday, but it must not replace the Sabbath. Irrespective of how much love with which we may do this, it is wrong. Jesus had some strong words for those who defy His laws, "But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men." Matt 15:9; Mark 7:7.
Resolve
"God is a spirit, and they that worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth." John 4: 24.
Father in Heaven, today we purpose to worship You only as You require it. May our hearts never be so lifted up in our own righteousness that we think we can negotiate our way around Jesus Christ Your son and our Saviour, amen.
This reading is based on 2 Chronicles 26. To read and/or listen to this chapter and read other related blogs, please go here.
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