41.
A glimpse into the heart of the Lord. As with any parent He does not enjoy the sever correction which He had exercised and was to continue upon Ephraim (Israel) and Judah. What more could He do to cause them to turn from their wickedness and idolatry. Their attention of the Lord was like the mist of the morning, as soon as the sun has risen, the cloud is evaporated. They had no time for the Lord. Hos. 6:5 Because of their utter neglect of the Lord He sent them prophets with words like a sharp sword and slew them. Words of prophecy, which when fulfilled brought death upon them. Their time of judgment was as definate as the shining forth of a light. It was certain, and would not be removed from them.
The desire of the Lord was diametrically the opposite. He desired to be the object of their kindness and love. He longed for them to seek Him. To focus their entire attention on worship directed at Him. Even as today He is looking for a people who love Him above all else in this world. Sacrifices, the offering of animals did not satisfy His longing to be the object of their affections. Hos. 6:5 The Lord was satiated with the abundance of their sacrifices, to such a degree that He wanted no more of them. Isa. 1:11-15
Restored animal sacrifices, or a rebuilt temple in Jerusalem is blaspheme in the sight of the Lord and against Him. Isa. 66:1-4 The Father has called the world unto Himself through the shed blood of the Lord Jesus. There never has been nor will there ever be a sacrifice equal to His. The daily ministration of the priest of the tabernacle and temple could NEVER take away sins. It took the blood of the Lord Jesus, the blood of God Himself, to bring forgiveness and cleansing from sin. Heb. 10:11-12 Even those who came to the Lord under the first testament, i.e. the old testament of the Law and animal sacrifice, could not enter heaven except by the blood of Christ. There is only one sacrifice acceptable to the Lord and that is the perfect, holy sacrifice of the Lord Jesus. Heb. 9:15.
More actions and vain words were offered toward Him from hearts that were far from Him, while He longed for a people who really knew Him. Ritualistic worship does not impress the Lord. Vain repetitions are obnoxious to Him. Lip service is quickly discerned by the Lord and is rejected. He is looking for a people who will worship Him from their hearts and not just their mouths, with words which do not originate from a sincere and earnest heart. Isa. 29:13 Must we be such puny, weak emaciated Christians that we sin every day in word, though or deed? Not according to the Apostle John. He said; that if we abide in Christ we will not sin. Reasonable, is it not. If Christ rules, sin cannot have a place in the life of such a person. Furthermore, John said that if we habitually sin, we have not seen Christ nor known Him. 1 John 3:6 Hard words, nevertheless true and worthy of all acceptation.