"Sacrifices Of Idols"

"But unto Cain and to his offering he had not respect. And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell."  Genesis 4:5

 

Many years ago I was in prayer and intercession for a particular church that was going through a time of spiritual attack.  As I was praying the Lord spoke plainly to me and said these words which I have never forgotten. "Ichabod, the glory of the Lord has departed. My people have shut me out of my house and offer unto Me the sacrifices of idols."  As I said, that was many years ago, but it could easily be said of many churches today. 

 

What does it mean?  The first part is pretty self explanatory.  So, how do we offer unto the Lord the sacrifices of idols?  And is it something that we are guilty of-- as a church or as an individual?

 

What are idols?  They are anything that we worship other than the living God.  It can be a person that is greatly admired, loved or revered.  Mostly idols are the things that we have made with our own hands.  They are things that we have set up of our own.  So, what are the sacrifices that we bring them?  Since they are of our own making, then the sacrifices that are brought to them are things of our own making as well.  In other words, they are things of the flesh. 

 

Will the Lord accept what is of the flesh?  Whatever we bring the Lord God that is of the flesh is the same as a sacrifice that is offered to idols and it is an unacceptable sacrifice to the Lord.  Cain brought a sacrifice to the Lord that was unacceptable.  He brought the works of his own hands that was taken from the cursed ground.

 

In Amos 5 the Lord condemned and would not accept the sacrifices that Israel was bringing to Him because it was flesh that they were presenting.  He said He even hated their feast days and the smell of their burnt offerings.  Not only were they offering sacrifices of flesh, but they were also sacrificing to the false gods along with the true God.  (Go back and read Amos 5)  You can't make sacrifice to both.  He will not share His glory with another.  This was the reason for the first part of what He spoke to me.  "Ichabod, My glory has departed". 

 

It is a serious and dangerous place for a church or individual to be when the glory of the Lord departs.  You are left then to your own devices.  You have to make something happen on your own.  Because when you do that, you have shut Him out.

 

So, what are the sacrifices that are acceptable to the Lord?  (I know I am being lengthy this morning, but please bear with me.  I have to share this.)  The sacrifices that are acceptable to the Lord are not made with hands.  They are not made through man's strength, ability, education or wisdom.  They are: 

1)  A broken spirit and contrite heart.  "The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise." (Psalm 51:17)  

2)  Spiritual sacrifices.  "Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ." (1 Peter 2:5)

3)  Yourself.  "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service." (Romans 12:1)

 

The Lord doesn't want your "stuff", your material things, your "handmade" sacrifices, your works of the flesh.  He wants you.  He wants your heart-- your whole heart.  He wants your will.  He wants your love, respect, reverence, submission, obedience and surrender.  He doesn't want mere "lip service", He wants truth, sincerity, honesty, and your profession and confession to line up with what you do, your actions and your attitudes. 

 

What are you sacrificing to Him?  What do you bring Him daily?  Do you bring Him service, work, your plans, your programs, your own understanding, only that which you want Him to have?  If so, you are offering Him the sacrifices of idols.  And He will not accept it.  He wants a "living" sacrifice.  Not something that is dead.  Repent and begin to bring Him a sacrifice that is acceptable and that He desires.  Bring Him yourself.

 

Have a great day.  Are you bringing the Lord acceptable or unacceptable sacrifices?