Abomination!
Abomination! What a harsh
and strong word. It means: a repugnant and despicable thing; a thing so
despicable and disgraceful that it causes revulsion and disgust. There aren’t
many things that the Lord is disgusted by, but here in Proverbs 15:8, He
reveals one of those things – “the sacrifice of the wicked.” There is nothing
more offensive to God than the pious actions of those whose hearts are far from
Him.
One
reason that the sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination is that their action
“flies in the face” of God’s revealed truth about righteousness and salvation. The
Bible is very clear on this matter – salvation can NEVER be earned or merited
by one’s external actions. Anyone who tries to “earn” their acceptance by God
through their religion is pridefully disputing with God, Himself. They oppose
His truth that our righteousness comes as a free gift from Him, not by works,
but by grace through faith.
Even the person who
diligently applies him/herself to following the commands and ordinances of God
and performs the ceremonies and formalities of religion is an abomination to
the Lord if his/her heart is not right with Him. No religious acts will do in
place of true holiness to the Lord. God will not
allow himself to be `bought off' by gifts and sacrifices of the unrepentant and
unbelieving person. Not only is God not interested in any sacrifices that the
wicked might offer to Him, He finds them to be repulsive.
But
the glorious truth found in the second half of this verse is that “the
prayer of the upright is acceptable to Him!” But who is the upright? This is the person who has repented of their
sin and self-centered religion and sincerely desires God’s true salvation. When
a person admits their own inability to do - or be - anything remotely close to
righteous by their own efforts and who - by faith - accepts Christ’s sacrifice
on the cross for their sin they are declared “righteous” and “upright” in the
sight of God.
From
that point on, the upright person seeks the Lord and desires to follow in His
ways – not to earn their right standing with God – but because He has
graciously declared them upright and they love and worship Him for it. Oh, how
God loves to hear the prayers of that person! Pray to Him now. Your heartfelt
prayers will be acceptable to Him! It is an amazing truth that God loves to
hear from His children.
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