I realize the title is a bit provocative. But maybe this topic ought to provoke deeper consideration of what God SAYS He desires – over what we THINK He wants.
To Love God is to Know God
This passage in Hosea 6:6 stood out to me in today’s reading…
“For I desire steadfast love (mercy) and not sacrifice, the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings.”
Initially, this verse might remind us of what Samuel says to king Saul in 1 Samuel 15:22 (ESV) – “And Samuel said, “Has the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to listen than the fat of rams.”
*Note: According to Strong’s NASB, the word ‘obey’ is the Hebrew word ‘shama’ which has stronger connotations of intently listening, or hearing/understanding. This makes sense when reading the second part of Samuel’s quote where he supports his first assertion (shama) with ‘listening’ or ‘hearkening’ (qashab).
But as I paused to think deeper on this verse, it brought to mind the section in Luke 10:38-42 that introduces us to Jesus’ dear friends, Mary and Martha. In His short exchange with Martha, Jesus essentially echoes the passage in Hosea 6….
Listen & Learn
Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a village. And a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to his teaching.
But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.”
But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.”
*The NIV translates “chosen the good portion” as “chosen what is better”.
Clearly, Jesus is placing a higher value on Mary’s posture of listening and learning from Him (His Words), over the busyness and anxiety that had overcome Martha in her focus on serving and hospitality.
Knowing God.
Not to diminish the importance of ministry or our expression of love to God by our obedience to Him (John 14:15). But it seems to me that here, and throughout scripture, God definitively states that He desires (values) a relationship over ‘ministry’. Sitting at His feet and learning, over busying ourselves with service.
It’s a good question to ask ourselves. “Do we truly know God?”
Or do we merely want to serve Him? If we want to get really provocative and painfully introspective, let’s explore the ‘why’ of service and ministry. Many have expressed how good and fulfilling it feels when serving in ministry. But who does that truly benefit? Deep down, who gets the glory?
Serving God.
How many of our modern American churches tend to foster an environment that places more weight on serving and administration over teaching, doctrine, and true discipleship?
The disciples themselves, as leaders of the first megachurch described in Acts, recognized how it wasn’t right for administrative service to take the place of teaching.
“And the twelve summoned the full number of the disciples and said, "It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables.” -Acts 6:2 ESV
In their case, they wanted to make adjustments that prioritized their primary calling over secondary and tertiary items. But even as new positions opened up for the ‘Marthas’ of the church to operate in their gifting, the truth remains that knowing God – the relationship – is of the utmost importance.
The Treasure is God Himself.
“And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.” -Hebrews 11:6 ESV
Yes, there is balance in the Christian life, spiritually and physically. As James challenges us to work out our faith in our quest for maturity, it is vitally important that we remain focused on the person of God, and make it our main focus and purpose in life to not only know Him, but in so doing – become more like Him.
In fact, James follows his opening statement of encouragement to persevere through testing, with the need to ask God for wisdom (James 1:2-8). Which brings to my mind the source of Wisdom according to Proverbs…
“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.” -Proverbs 9:10
What James is saying is that we need God’s wisdom to live the Christian life, to steadfastly endure the trials that come our way. And the way to get that wisdom is to know God – to GET God.
With that, Friends, I’ll close with the same challenge given in the beginning of Hosea 6…
“Let us know; let us press on to know the LORD.”
Hosea 6:3