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Sacrifices, Part Eleven

Isaiah, Chapter 66:1-4: God Will Regard the Contrite.

Thus says the Lord: "Heaven is My throne, and earth is My footstool. Where is the house that you will build Me? And where is the place of My rest? For all those things My hand has made, and all those things exist," says the Lord, "But on this one will I look: On him who is poor and of a contrite spirit, and who trembles at My word."

"He who kills a bull as if he slays a man; he who sacrifices a lamb, as if he breaks a dog's neck; he who offers a grain offering, as if he offers swine's blood; he who burns incense, as if he blesses an idol. Just as they have chosen their own ways, and their soul delights in their abominations, so will I choose their delusions and bring their fears on them (SAUL/PAUL ANYONE?); because when I called, no one answered, when I spoke they did not hear, but they did evil before My eyes, and chose that in which I do not delight."

Hear the word of the Lord, you who tremble at His word: "Your brethren who hated you, who cast you out for My name's sake, said, 'Let the Lord be glorified, that we may see your joy.' But they will be ashamed."

Jesus agrees: "Blessed are you when they revile you and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you." (Matthew 5:11-12)

"Hypocritical Worship is Condemned" (Isaiah 1:10-15)

Hear the word of the Lord,
You rulers of Sodom;
Give ear to the law of our God,
You people of Gomorrah;
"To what purpose is the multitude of your sacrifices to Me?"
Says the Lord.
"I have had enough of the burnt offerings of rams
And the fat of fed cattle.
I do not delight in the blood of bulls,
Or of lambs and goats.

"When you come to appear before Me,
Who has required this from your hand,
To trample My courts?
Bring no more futile sacrifices,
Incense is an abomination to Me.
The New Moons, the Sabbaths, the calling of assemblies
I cannot endure iniquity and the sacred meeting.
Your New Moons and your appointed feasts
My soul hates,
They are a trouble to Me.
I am weary of bearing them.
When you spread your hands,
I will hide My eyes from you;
Even though you make many prayers,
I will not hear.
Your hands are full of blood."


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