God Desires Mercy, And Not Sacrifice

The prophet Hosea proclaimed the message of God’s judgment upon Israel because they have rejected and “hast forgotten the law of thy God” (Hos 4:6). Their hearts were so defiled with “the spirit of whoredoms” (Hos 5:4), that they don’t even know the Lord anymore! The prideful Pharisees in Jesus day were just like them (Mk 7:22). They were “an evil and adulterous generation” (Mt 12:39), that they failed to recognize the true Messiah (Jn 8:47)! Israel tried to offer sacrifices “to seek the Lord; but they shall not find Him” (Hos 5:6). God has no delight in their sacrifices and burnt offerings (Isa 1:11). Jesus also could not stand the sacrifices of the Pharisees (Jn 2:15). Israel finally realized that they needed to “return unto the Lord” (v. 1).

 But God knew that their goodness was short lived “as a morning cloud, and as the early dew” (v. 4). He told them that their “judgments are as the light that goeth forth” (v. 5), or they were already given with such clarity as the light of day! Sadly, many people today still reject the clear presentation of the gospel (1 Cor 15:1); although Jesus already came to present Himself as “a light into the world” (Jn 12:46)! God said that He “desired mercy, and not sacrifice.” Sacrificing makes people think that they are righteous (Rom 12:3).

But God said, “to obey is better than sacrifice” (1 Sam 15:22). Because His mercy comes only through obedience and humility in response to the truth (Mic 6:8). Israel did not obtain God’s mercy because they “have transgressed the covenant” (v. 7), and worked “iniquity” (v. 8). They continued to push their sacrifices without acknowledging their sins. Many today still believe that they can reach God by their own good works, tradition, and philosophies (Col 2:8). But they would all “come short” (Rom 3:23). Giving money to a good cause, praying in public, or attending church services, are not as important to God as obeying His commands! God bless you!

- Pastor Melito Barrera