The Prophets and the Teachings of Jesus: First things first
Hosea 6:6 • For I desire steadfast love and not sacrifice, the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings.
Matthew 9:13 • Go and learn what this means, “I desire mercy, not sacrifice.” For I have come to call not the righteous but sinners.
Jesus and Hosea inform us that God is seeking a personal offering of mercy, love and kindness.
As people of faith, we spend our entire lives seeking to discover God’s will. We go to church hoping to grow closer to God. Unfortunately, sometimes we learn how to be a good church member rather than a faithful Christian.
This Lent, may we discover all the things we have to offer that are truly acceptable in the eyes of God. May we begin by offering ourselves, remembering that our greatest offerings consist of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Galatians 5:22–23). This is what God desires from us.
Lord, may we offer our lives as we grow spiritually in our knowledge of God. Amen.