Simple Juxtaposition

(Pro 15:8 KJV)  The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD: but the prayer of the upright is his delight.

Every time I read this verse, the first part jumps out at me.  It tells me that things which would normally be excepted and, shall we say, honored by God, become an abomination when they come from the person who has the wrong heart.  He talks about sacrifice.  That is part of the law.  Actually it goes before the law because we have Cain and Abel bringing their offerings to the Lord.  But the idea is that the law has a whole series of sacrifices of different levels that can be brought.  It’s a very involved ritual.  It is at the heart of Judaism.

God says, “Not so fast stranger.”  He says it’s not enough to go through the routine, the ritual.  He says there has to be a personal commitment and involvement that starts in your heart.  That’s where the second part comes in.  Notice that there are these groups of people who are called “upright” (3477).  That means that they are standing tall and walking in the way that God wants them to walk as far as they are able.  They know they depend on God for everything.  They know that God‘s grace and God‘s loving kindness is would makes the difference.  They know that.  And because of that, they’re considered upright.  For them, the key is prayer, communicating with God, which involves listening as well as speaking.

So?  God is so focused on the intent of our heart.  The outward motions are great as long as they reflect an inward reality.  If it’s time for sacrifice, sacrifice.  But at all times it is a time of prayer as Paul said, “Pray without ceasing.”