Will it ever be enough?
When I was in grad school studying to be a counselor, I had a professor who vowed to never give a 100% on a paper. She stated that there will always be room for improvement, therefore, a perfect score is not possible on a paper. At the same time I hated that idea, and I also got it.
Reading the first part of Isaiah 66, I get the same impression from the author.
“But whoever sacrifices a bull is like one who kills a person, and whoever offers a lamb is like one who breaks a dog’s neck; whoever makes a grain offering is like one who presents pig’s blood, and whoever burns memorial incense is like one who worships an idol. They have chosen their own ways, and they delight in their abominations; so I also will choose harsh treatment for them and will bring on them what they dread. For when I called, no one answered, when I spoke, no one listened. They did evil in my sight and chose what displeases me.”
Isaiah 66:3-4 NIV
Wait…but isn’t that what the Lord commanded? Now the offerings aren’t enough? When will it ever be enough?
Have you ever felt that? Like you’ve been trying so hard and it just isn’t happening. You are trying to kick that habit, and you fall again. You are doing everything that you’ve been told is “right” and everything still goes wrong. You ask for forgiveness and are met with more anger. You love and find hate.
If a relationship with God was as simple as following a set of rules, why would we need Him? If all we had to do was follow the 10 commandments, what would we need of the Holy Spirit?
The sacrifices aren’t wrong or bad…it’s the heart that determines their worth. The rules without relationship mean nothing. And…every relationship needs rules (boundaries). It’s both/and.
It will never be enough this side of eternity…and…because the cross was enough, You are enough!
Dear God, your goal is our hearts. You desire a relationship with your creation not rule followers. And…we obey out of love. Grab our hearts today. Fill our hearts with your love and your spirit. Show us more of You! Amen.
Mandy
Sixty-six books in a year 