“I hate, I reject your festivals, nor do I delight in your solemn assemblies. Even though you offer up to Me burnt offerings and your grain offerings, I will not accept them; and I will not even look at the peace offerings of your fatlings. Take away from Me the noise of your songs; I will not even listen to the sound of your harps. But let justice roll down like waters and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream” (Amos 5:21-24).
These words from God may sound shocking to many people today. Why would God not accept worship that was being offered to Him?
The rebuke above was directed to the nation of Israel. The reason why God refused to accept their worship was because of their sin: “For I know your transgressions are many and your sins are great…” (Amos 5:12). Offering sacrifices to God did not excuse them of disregarding His law and doing things that were contrary to His will.
Other passages describe various kinds of gifts which were offered to God, but He did not accept them. In this article, we are going to consider some unacceptable gifts we may offer to God, lest we find ourselves guilty of offering something that He would “hate” or “reject.”Continue Reading
