The True Sacrifice of Worship

 

by Rex Ello 

Text: Micah 6: 6-8

Good morning.

Each of us has a vision of how to live or live in a way that pleases God. Some, however, actually perform in religious ceremonies to please God and man. But what will God do in our lives? What is the true offering of worship that God will make?

Today, let us reflect on the true sacrifice of worship, in our adaptation to what God will do in our lives. This reflection I now have entitled “The True Sacrifice of Worship of God” which we learn from a prophet Micah whose life was developed in society, in the ordinary and the poor. We will fill it with these three points; First, the true sacrifice of our worship of God is involved in our living in righteousness. Second is to live in love and third and last is humble service to God.

It is true that we can serve and worship God when our lives are lived, interrupted and become a bridge of justice. In verses 6-7, the writer clarifies the revelation of the ordinances and responsibilities in Israelite society. This includes the obligatory observance of their obligations to the temple which included the offering of tithing, the offering for the remission of sins, the offering of purification, and the first fruits and first lings of the animals even of the oils. Other than that, the offering of the eldest son is included by the author but despite this, it is not enough to be truly pleasing to God. In verse 8, it is very clear that it answers what is pleasing to God, and one of them is really doing justice.

Exercising justice was a major issue especially in the Israelite society. There is an open view of the issue of such violence in their community where there is abuse of slaves, workers and even widows. Enrich and prosper the rich by oppressing the poor. Consequently, a warning would lead to the invalidity of the offering if injustice continued in their society.

The practice of injustice continues to be one of the major problems in our community today and even in any part of the world. An example of that is the injustice of the dead who are still unidentified suspects, divisions of family property that sometimes only one person owns and will actually end up fighting and destroying the relations. as a family, and in our current issue regarding the military war with the NPA there are civilians affected.  Filipinos oppress fellow Filipinos through deception about housing.

Where is the justice for the common people who died? Where is the justice for the oppressed? And where is the justice for the dead civilians in war?

These are just questions and as Filipino Christians, how can we be the bridge to the fight against injustice, to the struggle to solve it? Sadly, most of us are blind to the real situation of injustice and betrayal of our fellow man. You and I are called in to resolve this. So that we can obtain justice for ourselves and especially those in need and so that we can please God.

The second and most difficult thing to do is to truly offer and worship God through the love of goodness. In the Old Testament, one of the meanings of Hebrew love is said to be "chesed" which signifies faithfulness, when we can at once be understood to be faithful to God by loving one another for the good of one another. The author shows reflection in showing honesty in doing good because it is also observed in the society of the Israelites, who were supposed to do good to their neighbor, instead of doing harm.

In our day and age, many profess to live in love, but do harm to society. Mahatma Gandhi even said, "I like Christ, but I do not like Christians" in Cebuano, I like the teaching of Christ but I do not like how Christians live. " It is sad and embarrassing that the Philippines is one of the Christian countries in Asia but it is at the forefront of corruption and crime. Apart from this, immorality in our country is rampant, illegal activity, and more. As a result, we who live and study the true doctrine of Christ, and understand the true meaning of love, are challenged to live true love, to live faithfully to work for the good of all.

Third and last, we can truly realize and make a true sacrifice in the worship of God if we persevere in the patient service of God. Humility before God leads to reverence for God by doing his will, just as the Israelite's do not worship idols. It was also a challenge for the Israelite's to maintain faith in God in the midst of adversity, what they experienced, the threat to Assyria, and even injustice in their own country.

In our day and age, the attitude of humility continues to challenge each of us. It is an acknowledgment that we are not God Himself but we have a God Creator, Redeemer and Provider. Sometimes in our lives we get discouraged by the problems, disasters and trials in our lives. Sometimes we lose hope because of the wickedness we see in society where evil reigns.

However, those who truly persevere before God continue to hope that God does not sleep through it all. True patience will continue to intervene in justice and do good for all. True patience will not rule and blame God for the sufferings that result from the wickedness of the world. Instead, continue to trust in God's power and continue to do his will.

Therefore, as followers of Christ, like the Israelite's, we are constantly admonished to understand and practice the true sacrifice of worship that God will perform. To live in justice, love of goodness, and in the patient service of our God. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, amen.

(This sermon was delivered during the Virtual Wednesday Chapel Service via ZOOM and Facebook Live held February 24, 2021)