God's Preference

Read: Invite your attention to Proverbs 21:1-3

[Comments] - Personal & noteworthy

Proverbs 21:1-3

This section deals with how God sees and knows our hearts. Verse three as we will see moves from intentions of the heart to the action it directs.

Proverbs 21:1-3 - I want to speak to you with the Lord’s help tonight on God’s Preferences

Introduction:

Coke or Pepsi? What is your preference?

Perhaps this isn’t a big deal to you - but some people are serious about their soft-beverage choices.

I saw a documentary sometime ago about the competition and rivarly between the two sugary drink companies Coke and Pepsi.

Back in the 70’s Pepsi went to different cities and would blind-test volunteers in recorded interviews. They would have two unmarked cups in front of them both containing dark fizzy liquid. One was Coca-cola the other was Pepsi.

Invariably, because the adds were Pepsi the people would opt for the Pepsi, saying ti was sweeter and better.

In the recording of the documentary they redid the test to current employees of Coke and Pepsi. It was interesting that they could blindly pick out their particular brand of pop.

What is your preference Coke or Pepsi?

Maybe you don’t drink pop or soda...

What about Tea or Coffee?

Hot tea or iced tea?

Sweet tea or unsweetened tea?

Black coffee or with all the fancy fru-fru?

We have our preferences, and are sometimes quick to point them out.

God makes a point in this passage to point out His preference too.

Look at what the author says,

“To do justice and judgment Is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.” (Proverbs 21:3, KJV 1900)

We are told that God prefers that the inner attitude and spirit of man be more righteous than religious.

There is nothing wrong with sacrificial living, in fact God had commanded the sacrifices of vegetables, animals, and money in the Old Testament.

But if it came to a choice between one or the other - He would rather do without the sacrifice - and have you live righteously.

This is shown in several other scriptures as well:

“And Samuel said, Hath 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 hearken than the fat of rams.” (1 Samuel 15:22, KJV 1900)

“For I desired mercy, and not sacrifice; And the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings.” (Hosea 6:6, KJV 1900)

Justice: