What does God want? As Christmas approaches, we can easily focus on what we want. Some of us may compile “Wish Lists” for others to purchase for us. Even when we turn our attention to God, we can quickly zero in on the things we want from God—not simply material things but requests like these: “God, grant us joy. Give us peace. Bring us hope.”
The Bible does indeed teach us to bring our cares and concerns to the Lord in prayer. And I do not want to dissuade requests for joy, peace, and hope. But this passage from Hebrews raises the question, “What does God desire?”
Our reading notes that God does not desire sacrifice and offering. If you have read the books of the law in the Old Testament, this may sound strange. Entire chapters are devoted to the offerings and sacrifices of the Israelites. God goes into great detail about when to bring sacrifices, what constitutes an offering, who is to offer which sacrifice, when to bring your offering. Later, in verse 8, the author of Hebrews even points out that these offerings and sacrifices were required by the law.
Today’s passage opens with Christ himself quoting the words of Psalm 40, which set aside ritual and sacrifice in favor of doing God’s will. The incarnation of Christ (“offering of the body of Christ” in life and death), who lives in complete obedience to God, fulfills God’s intention for humanity.
So what does God desire from us? If it is not sacrifices and offerings, which are commanded, what does God want from us? We will return to this passage tomorrow to see what the writer of Hebrews says, but for today spend some time with this question and see what God is speaking to you.