Jul 01 – Worship That Pleases!

“The Lord respected Abel and his offering, but He did not respect Cain and his offering.” (Genesis 4:4–5)

There are many obstacles that can prevent us from reaching the heights of true worship, and certain hidden issues that can cloud it. Just as the Lord did not accept Cain and his offering, He may also at times withhold His acceptance of our praise, thanksgiving, or offering—depending on the condition of our hearts.

When we offer worship to the Lord, it must flow from true love and affection—not out of obligation. Many Christian families see Sunday church attendance as a duty. They go to church just to fulfill that duty and return home unchanged. Such people neither seek to understand the will of God nor do they strive to please Him.

About such worshippers, Jesus said: “Hypocrites! Well did Isaiah prophesy about you, saying: ‘These people draw near to Me with their mouth, and honour Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me. And in vain they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’” (Matthew 15:7–9)

One of the biggest hindrances to worship is hypocrisy. What is hypocrisy? It is drawing near to God with our lips while our hearts remain far from Him. It is the inconsistency between words and actions. The Lord never delights in hypocritical speech, worship out of obligation, or praise offered as mere routine.

Cain brought an offering simply because he had to. He did not take time to examine his heart or seek what would truly please the Lord. His offering lacked blood. Only the blood of a sacrifice can cleanse a guilty conscience, reconcile us with God, and draw us near to Him.

But look at Abel. He desired to offer a sacrifice that pleased God. In faith, he aligned his heart with the heart of God and offered a sacrifice that was acceptable.

Looking ahead to Christ’s sacrifice on Calvary, Abel brought a lamb as a sacrifice—a foreshadow of Lord Jesus – the Lamb of God. That offering was accepted.

Dear children of God, may your worship always be pleasing to the Lord.

Verse for further meditation: “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.” (Romans 12:1)