TRANSLATED VALUE
A side story of the Civil war was the offer of war elephants by the King of Siam (Thailand), which Abraham Lincoln politely refused. He explained that while he appreciated the thought, the pachyderms would be hard to maintain in the climate of the United States and that steam power had replaced the need for heavy animal power.
The translated value of this gift was minimal. What was valuable in the sight of the King was of little value to Lincoln. The prophet Isaiah begins his book with a condemnation of the people of Israel by God for bringing him meaningless offerings, which were worthless in the eyes of God.
Stop bringing meaningless offerings! Your incense is detestable to me. New Moons, Sabbaths and convocations…….They have become a burden to me;….When you spread out your hands in prayer, I hide my eyes from you;……..Wash and make yourselves clean…….Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow. “Come now, let us settle the matter,” says the Lord. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool. If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the good things of the land;but if you resist and rebel, you will be devoured by the sword.” (Isaiah 1:13-20)
It is good to review the translated value of that which we offer to God. Perhaps the rituals and traditions that have been passed on to us, the religious gatherings, the acts of service, and the sacrifices we make in the name of the Lord, might be worthless. Just like a war elephant would have worked in another generation and geographical location, what was meaningful for believers in the previous generation and at another location might not be suitable and as valued. Christian teachers love to make rules for their followers. But the only rule that needs to be taught is to diligently find the will of God and faithfully follow the leading of the Spirit.
Repentance in a spirit of humility and a willing obedience is the key to abundance, and many are those who miss it, especially among those who belong to the Lord.
