Samuel D. High
sdhigh@aristotle.net
-----Original Message-----
From: Lynn Smith <lynn824@cebridge.net>
Sent: Fri, 22 Jun 2007 11:26:52 -0500
To: Recipient list suppressed:;
Subject: Morning Manna June 23: BP: Ps. 40; RBTTY: Acts 7:1-21; Esther
June 23
“Sacrifice and offering You did not desire. My ears have you opened. Burnt offering and sin offering have You not required. Then, said I, ‘Lo, I come; in the volume of the Book it is written of me. I delight to do Your will, O my God; yea, Your law is within My heart’.”
When we do it because we “want” to, we can rest assured He smiles and says “Amen!”
Dear Pilgrim, why do you do what you do? Why do you get up in the morning and go to work? Why do you go the church, sing in the choir, give an offering when the plate’s past, etc.?
Because you “have to”? Because others are watching you? Because you feel you have no choice? Because of guilt?
Tough questions, aren’t they?
Assuredly so but questions that must be honestly answered if we’re to truly make today’s Manna our own.
No one needs to tell us when someone’s doing something out of drudgery, not delight. They drag into work late and leave early, always watching the clock for the time they can dash out to the door to something they really enjoy doing.
Or, perhaps theirs is just the opposite extreme. They’re always to work early much earlier than everyone else. They even stay long after everyone’s gone. Outwardly, they seem to be the epitome of conscientiousness and commitment; but, inwardly they’re seething with hostility and resentment.
How do you know?
Just listen to them talk. There’s a sharp edge to their words. Their eyes have a piercing, hard look to them. They may laugh, but it always seemed a bit contrived and forced. Negativism and criticism follow them wherever they go.
That’s why David’s words need to be taken to heart by every one of us. At first we wonder about his assessment: “Sacrifice and offering You did not desire. . .burnt offering and sin offering have You not required.” What’s this? Is he espousing heresy? Don’t we read about God’s having led the Israelites to establish the Levitical sacrificial system?
Without a doubt. However, when such offerings spring from a “have to” heart i.e., one of compulsion, not loving surrender the Lord says “Unacceptable. You might as well have stayed home. Your efforts are a waste of your time. . .and Mine.” The only “offering” He accepts is that which springs from a willing heart of love. How will we know if ours is that way? Simply because we “delight to do His will” and His Word to us is life and love not law. Hallelujah!!
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