“For thou art not a God that hath pleasure in wickedness” (Psalm 5:4).

The term “hath pleasure” simply means God is pleased. David addressed his fervent pleas to “my King, and my God” (Psalm 5:2). He chose to serve the Creator, who is remarkably distinguished from any man-made god. One of His distinguishing characteristics is that the true God is devoid of sin or wickedness.

The Bible records some of those acts that mankind has done to please his own gods. Jacob’s wife, Rachel, deceived her own father so she could retain title to the images her family had served (Genesis 31:19). The people God chose for His own gave their treasure to fashion a deaf, sightless, golden calf. Then they worshipped it by “playing” (Exodus 32:6). The golden god Israel fashioned cared not what was in their hearts as they gave their jeweled offerings.

Perhaps the most abhorrent act of worship ever conceived by man in worship of his own god was the burning of the children (Deuteronomy 12:31). A man-made god cannot call the worshipper to anything higher than man’s own depravity.

Since the time of Cain and Able, man has corrupted the idea of the offering pleasing to God (Genesis 4). God warned His children: “. . . be not deceived . . . and serve other gods, and worship them” (Deuteronomy 11:16). The Lord is a jealous God. He will not give His glory or praise to another (Isaiah 42:8). We are to offer the sacrifices of righteousness and put (our) trust in the Lord (Psalm 4:5).

At the feet of Jesus Christ, we offer our worship, trusting the Holy Spirit to help our infirm prayer of repentance and faith. Between man and God, there is only one pleasing sacrifice to offer, Jesus Christ. As a child of God we go forth to “do good and to communicate [give to others] . . . For with such sacrifices God is well pleased” (Hebrews 13:16). CJH