SWHW Two Year Bible Reading Plan: March, Year 2Sample

Top Takeaway from Audra Haney:

Can God actually be repulsed by certain religious ceremonies, conferences, talks, and gatherings? Can God grow weary and disgusted by work for the “ministry”?

Can God actually hate a church service?

I believe so. 

In Isaiah 1-2, the Lord gave the nation of Israel a hard and sobering look in the mirror. It had been over 700 years since God, in His lovingkindness, settled them as a strong nation in their promised land.  His very presence went with them and established them. But with time, their once fervent hearts for God and His commands were replaced with deep corruption, arrogance, murder, rebellion, and repulsive sin.

And yet- they continued to go through the religious motions. They burned the incense, they sang the songs, they showed up on certain religious holidays, and they continued to make animal sacrifices.

They had the work on their hands, but no love for God in their hearts. They were willing to pursue the performance, but not seek the purpose or the power of God’s presence. 

And, God hated their hypocrisy. It was so detestable to God because it was a cheap counterfeit for His original intention.

And what was God’s call after such a hard rebuke? Repentance.

“Wash and make yourselves clean. Take your evil deeds out of my sight; stop doing wrong.  Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow. ‘Come now, let us settle the matter,’ says the Lord. ‘Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool. If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the good things of the land.’” -Isaiah 1:16-18

Repentance is a joy and great privilege that Jesus bought with His own blood on the cross. It was won for us with the highest price. We can take our guilt before a holy God and exchange it for His righteousness. Sin as red as blood, now white as snow. The most stunning and truest form of transformation. 

In our churches, our ministries, our workplaces- God doesn’t need us to perform. He needs us to seek His presence. He doesn’t need more empty work. He needs true worship that’s done the hard heart work. We don’t need more inspiration; we need transformation.  

True repentance and purity before God ushers in His presence is a mighty way.  True repentance leads to pure and heart-felt worship. And God promises to inhabit the true praises of His people.

Father, please forgive us. We cry out for Your mercy for any impure motives and methods as we’ve pursued work or ministry. Please help us to repent before You, to change our minds, to go in a different direction. Give us Your perspective and remind us of the true purpose of all of our service before You. Refine and purify us. Help us to chase hard after Your heart, and not just Your work. Amen.