WILL THE LORD ACCEPT ANIMAL SACRIFICES? Isa. 66:3 There can be no greater insult to the Lord than to reinstitute Old Testament offerings of any kind. Even in the days of Isaiah the Lord was weary and disgusted with their attitude as they brought sacrifices. To what purpose is the multitude of sacrifices? Isa. 1:11-15 The only sacrifice that the Lord can receive is the once for all sacrifice and the shedding of the blood of Jesus. The sacrifice of animals never did take away sin, it only covered sin. Heb.10:10. Would the Lord leave the BETTER [Heb.8:6] to revert to a way that was a stench in his nostrils? Hardly. The attitude of the Lord toward any attempt to sacrifice animals is sufficiently expressed in these verses, even to the burning of incense. God will not violate His WORD.
THEIR DELUSIONS. Isa. 66:4 The Lord said that he would chose their delusions. The reason being, they would not listen when He called to them. They turned a deaf ear. They did evil in His sight. Paul called it STRONG delusion and the acceptance of a lie, causing them to be damned. 2 Thes. 2:10-12 It is not an act of kindness to mislead a people into thinking and believing that what they are seeking after is the will of God and that He will accomplish their desires for them. There is only one hope for all people in the world of today and that is the Lord Jesus Christ. When the Lord has accomplished His purpose in Zion, He will appear in His glory. Ps. 102:16 We are living in thrilling and exciting days. He will finish His work in His church. He will have a Bride and she is ZION.
HEAR THE WORD OF THE LORD. Isa. 66:5 The only ones who can in reality, hear the Word of the Lord are they who have a great reverence for the Word. While the ears may hear and the eyes may read and understand the words, the true meaning is understood by the heart, in the Spirit. Prov. 13:13 Two ways of hearing the Word. Proper hearing is rewarded greatly. Faith is grasped by hearing and what is heard must be the Word.
HATED AND CAST OUT. Isa. 66:5 Rejection is not an easy thing for the human spirit to bear. We look and strive for acceptance by our fellow man, especially those who are of like faith. Persecution is inevitable, especially for the true church in these last days. Jesus was rejected by the very nation He came to benefit and bless. There is no hurt deeper than the rejection of those who are called brethren. Cast out because of faith in His name. His name is so vital to the manifestation of the power and glory of the Lord in His church. Col. 3:17 All things in word or deed are to be done in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Even so, there are and will be those who are estranged, because of their acceptance and appreciation of the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Satan hates that beautiful name. The Father loves it. He gave it to Him. Acts 2:36 God made that same Jesus both Lord and Christ.