Have you ever wondered what God desires for us in our relationship with Him? I have. In my last three decades of walking with Jesus and learning about Him, I have come to know that Jesus is very simple. He doesn’t expect lofty sacrifices or lengthy rituals to please Him. In fact, He plainly tells in several places throughout the Scriptures that sacrifices and religious rituals aren’t His priority at all. His deepest desire is for us to love Him and know Him. That’s it!
God spoke through the prophet Hosea with these words,
“I want you to show love, not offer sacrifices. I want you to know Me more than I want burnt offerings.” Hosea 6:6
Another version reads “For I desired mercy, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings.”
I am reminded of Jesus’ words to Martha, the sister who was striving so hard to get everything done and please Jesus. Mary (not the mother of Jesus, Martha’s sister) simply sat near Jesus’ feet, listening to Him, showing Him her love. Martha was upset that Mary wasn’t helping her with all the duties of being a host.
“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” – Luke 10:41-42
Jesus insisted that the only thing that mattered in our relationship with Him was to love God and to know Him.
God can be known. In fact, He desires to reveal His character and nature to those who desire it. He already revealed His nature through Jesus who was God in the flesh. Jesus was the complete revelation of the character and nature of God. But in your practical day-to-day life, you can still know God deeply and intimately. God desires a personal relationship with us and it is possible because of His love for us. He loved us while we were still sinners and gave Jesus Christ to die for us to forgive our sins. Relationship with God is our legal right as heirs to His kingdom. No one can steal it or take it away from us, except us.
We can sometimes become tangled up in rules, rituals, and expectations that God never wanted. His invitation is simple – just come as you are and rest in His presence. Talk to Him. Ask Him questions. He delights in hearing your voice. Read His written word in the Bible to know Him. That’s the primary way He speaks to me. But then ask for Him to speak to you directly. He speaks even today to those who ask. He speaks differently with every person. But when He speaks, your soul will know Him, and your soul will revive. I have had the joy of hearing God’s voice for so many years now. He speaks when I slow down and listen. When I rush through my day and don’t sit in His presence, I don’t hear Him, and the day feels meaningless. But, when I hear His sweet, still voice, it’s like drinking fresh water that revives my soul. It energizes me. His voice puts vision and purpose in me. He will speak to you too. Simply come into His presence and rest. Leave out the load and burdens of religious rituals and come with the simplicity of Jesus. You will soon begin to see He is the best friend you will ever need.
“Come to Me, all who are weary and heavily burdened [by religious rituals that provide no peace], and I will give you rest [refreshing your souls with salvation].” Matthew 11:28
This is Jesus’ invitation and expectation for you,
