Forgetting God and why we gather.

As one reads Isaiah 1:11-17, we find that the same God that established various sacrifices such as burnt offerings in Leviticus and at various times even made a statement of person that the aroma was pleasing to him (Exodus 29:18, 25, Lev 1:9 e.t.c) now in Isaiah 1:11 declares that he has, “no pleasure in the blood of bulls and lambs and Goats".

One would ask why. What changed in the expanse of time that lapsed between the Israel of Moses and that of Isaiah? Why would something that pleased Jehovah in the past become detestable to him?

We quickly find that although they continued to be religious; sacrificing multitudes of animals (v11), going to the temple (v12), observing the Sabbath and feasts (v13) and even praying (v14) that their hearts were no longer after God. They had forgotten their first love and were engulfed in evil deeds (v16), their hands were full of blood (v15) and they did not seek justice or help the least amongst them nor did they keep themselves from being polluted by the world (v17) all of which in God's view is the heart of worship (James 1:27).

As a result of this style-of-life the LORD calls their gatherings and assemblies’ evil and their offerings meaningless.

So what about you today? Are you religious yet lacking zeal and love for the King? Have you lost your first Love as evidenced by your emotionless worship? If so I urge you with the words of the apostle Paul in Rom 12:1-2 that, "in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God–this is your spiritual act of worship” (Maybe for the first time). “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is–his good, pleasing and perfect will.”

And to this God promises that, “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.” (Isaiah 1:18)

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