(Nuggets from Proverbs 15:8)
Today's scripture does a comparison between THE WICKED AND THE UPRIGHT (RIGHTEOUS). What makes them different and how does God see their sacrifices?
Sacrifice of the wicked here stands for every religious duty performed by a wicked man, done in hypocrisy.
In Isaiah 1:11, the Prophet wrote:
"To what purpose is the multitude of your sacrifices into me? Says the Lord; I am full of the Burnt Offerings of rams, and the fat of fed beasts; and I delight not in the blood of bullocks, or of lambs, or if he goats."
The very worship which God commanded was debased by the people of Judah and this made their sacrifices to become an abomination in His sight, because they were more interested in the ceremony and not what the ceremony represented - Jesus Christ who was CRUCIFIED for the redemption of mankind.
In verse 13, God warned them to stop bringing VAIN OBLATIONS to Him; the incense was declared an abomination to Him, as well as the new moons, sabbaths, and calling of assemblies and solemn meetings
All the religious activities which were genuine and God-given according to the Jewish tradition were emptied of their significance and became an abomination to God because they were done as a matter of fulfillment of obligation, sacrifices with sin-stained hands and dirty hearts; these are the SACRIFICES OF THE WICKED.
On the other hand, we have the UPRIGHT, whose SACRIFICES are a sweet smelling savour to God, like the SACRIFICE OF ABEL.
Abel put more care into his offering/sacrifice. He brought the best portions from the firstborn of the flock and gave it as an offering to God.
The Lord looked with favor on Abel and his offering. Abel might not have even been aware that his offering had become a competition.
When you come to God's presence to offer sacrifices, come with the PUREST OF HEARTS, not entertaining any form of impurity or sin. An acceptable Sacrifice is such that is done to give glory to God, not to impress anyone.
The PRAYERS, WORSHIP, OFFERINGS, and all SACRIFICES of the UPRIGHT are PLEASANT to the Lord and He honours them.
Coming to offer to God with malice, implacability, animosity, revenge, hatred, lust, and every other kind of vice in the heart can be likened to THE SACRIFICE OF THE WICKED, but coming to God with a heart that is void of offense towards God and man, a forgiving heart, a heart that is at peace with all, no records of sin and no chances of being indicted by God is what God demands.
WHAT KIND OF SACRIFICE HAVE YOU BEEN OFFERING TO GOD?
IT'S TIME TO OFFER THE RIGHT SACRIFICES TO GOD!
This is HOLINESS CHALLENGE
DAY 145 OF 365 (2026)
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