As it turns out, people today aren’t the only generation to struggle with worshiping God alone.
And I’m not talking about atheists and agnostics here. I’m talking about those who claim to worship God alone but in reality worship God when it’s convenient and seldom at any other time.
Most other times they worship other people or things like:
- Hollywood personalities
- Politicians (a relatively recent phenomena)
- Their car
- Their house
- Their Ipod
- iphone
- Blackberry
- Clothes
As you can see, the list could include just about anything—anything that takes the place of God alone. But is this pretty much a new thing? Is it just our shallow, American culture that falls prey so easily to this stuff?
Nope.
Check this incredibly tough passage out:
1 Then the Lord said to Moses, 2 “Give the following instructions to Aaron and his sons and all the people of
3 “If any native Israelite sacrifices a bulla]’>[a] or a lamb or a goat anywhere inside or outside the camp 4 instead of bringing it to the entrance of the Tabernacleb]’>[b] to present it as an offering to the Lord, that person will be as guilty as a murderer.c]’>[c] Such a person has shed blood and will be cut off from the community. 5 The purpose of this rule is to stop the Israelites from sacrificing animals in the open fields. It will ensure that they bring their sacrifices to the priest at the entrance of the Tabernacle, so he can present them to the Lord as peace offerings.
Huh?!
This was pulled from my quiet time this morning and it caught me in my tacks. Doesn’t this seem a bit harsh?
I mean, the Israelites are following through on the sacrifices.
- They got the right animal
- They picked the best of the herd.
- They sacrificed it on an altar
Isn’t God being a bit picky here?
Nope.
Turns out that God is the originator of the realistate saying, “Location, Location, Location!”
The Israelites weren’t being punished for the choice of animal, quality of animal or even the spirit with which their sacrifice was made (attitude). They were being punished for offering God ‘partial obedience.’
And when it comes to obedience with God—turns out He really does want all or nothing!
Now, there is alot more to this text—believe me. So I will stagger it with the last post I did (i.e. give you part 2 of yesterday’s tomorrow and part 2 of this one in 2 days) <— Hey, I’m ADD give me a break.