God saved the Hebrew people from slavery in Egypt and gave them rules to follow. But you can’t bribe God. The sacrificial system was only a stopgap until Jesus shed His blood on the cross. Hebrews 10:1The old system under the law of Moses was only a shadow, a dim preview of the good things to come, not the good things themselves. The sacrifices under that system were repeated again and again, year after year, but they were never able to provide perfect cleansing for those who came to worship…. 4 For it is not possible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins. 5 That is why, when Christ came into the world, he said to God, “You did not want animal sacrifices or sin offerings. But you have given me a body to offer.[1]
Confused About the Purpose of Animal Sacrifice
Micah warned the people about their sins. Micah 3:11 You rulers make decisions based on bribes; you priests teach God’s laws only for a price; you prophets won’t prophesy unless you are paid. Yet all of you claim to depend on the Lord.[2] These people were confused about the purpose of animal sacrifice. They had the false assumption that God desired things. So they could act any way they wanted as long as they paid God off with the animal sacrifices.
The questions they ask Micah are sarcastic. Micah 6:6 What can we bring to the Lord? Should we bring him burnt offerings? Should we bow before God Most High with offerings of yearling calves? 7 Should we offer him thousands of rams and ten thousand rivers of olive oil? Should we sacrifice our firstborn children to pay for our sins?[3]
They thought they could bargain with God with their sacrifices. They had forgotten that God seeks committed hearts. 2 Chronicles 16: 9 The eyes of the Lord search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.[4]
Do We Bargain or Worship?
Micah’s message is relevant because many falsely assume God only wants our money, time, talents, and abilities. God still desires our hearts and sent Jesus to restore our relationship with Him. Luke 19: 10 For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost.[5] When we follow Jesus, He becomes the focus of our heart’s desire. It is only then that we can worship as Micah said. Micah 6:8b do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.[6]
To learn how you can’t bribe God, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/what-is-required-in-worship
[1-6] Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188