Noah and I read scripture together often. The last time we were ready to start a new book, he picked Amos. And no, I couldn’t remember any details about Amos. Just a few nights ago, we read chapter 5, which includes this in verse 23, “Take away from me the noise of your songs; to the melody of your harps I will not listen”. God is speaking to Israel through Amos, telling them that He takes no delight in their gatherings, in their offerings, or in their singing. This sounds harsh. Can you imagine God speaking to us, telling us that he hates our Sunday morning gatherings? Or that He doesn’t want to hear our singing or receive our offerings? Why would God reject worship, or not be pleased when people are gathered in His name?
One of the clues is in the next verse, “But let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.” God doesn’t want hypocrisy. He doesn’t want lip service. If we are neglecting the love of people, neglecting issues of justice, and not pursuing righteousness, God will not delight in our gathered worship. Earlier in chapter 5, Amos writes, “Seek good, and not evil…Hate evil, and love good, and establish justice in the gate.” He talks about his people taking bribes, turning away the needy, and afflicting the righteous. God delights in the worship of His gathered church on Sunday morning, when they are worshipping him throughout the week. He delights in our sacrifices when we are sacrificing for others. When there is a lack of obedience and a love for evil, and then we pay lip service to God, it does not bring Him joy.
I think the second clue in God rejecting worship from His people is a closer look at the offerings being brought to Him. In verse 22, God says he doesn’t accept their burnt offerings, grain offerings, or peace offerings. Do you notice a particular offering missing? The sin offering is missing. Let me suggest that God doesn’t delight in our worship when we don’t grieve our sin. When we can’t admit that we need grace, and when we don’t acknowledge our sin before the Lord, I think our songs just become noise to Him.
So, worship the Lord throughout the week by pursuing righteousness and justice, and by confessing your sin to Him. Then, let’s gather on Sundays to worship the Lord together! May the Lord delight in our gatherings, and be enthroned upon our praises!
See you Sunday!
Pastor Kyle