Anyone can offer a sacrifice to God, and anyone can make sacrifices for God, the sacrifice may be great, and the sacrifice may be small, if it is made with wicked intent, it is not acceptable at all. Such was the case of Cain. His sacrifice was not acceptable, for his heart was wicked. The Lord detests the sacrifice of the wicked. (15:8; Isaiah 1:11-15)
So what of mine? Do I sacrifice for God not knowing I am wrong? I heed the warning of Ecclesiastes 5:1 “Guard your steps when you go to the house of God. Go near to listen rather than to offer the sacrifice of fools, who do not know that they do wrong.” And Jeremiah 6:19-20, “Hear, O earth: I am bringing disaster on this people, the fruit of their schemes, because they have not listened to my words and have rejected my law. What do I care about incense from Sheba or sweet calamus from a distant land? Your burnt offerings are not acceptable; your sacrifices do not please me.”
What a sad encounter it would be if the righteous and holy Lord God of the universe were to say to me, “Go away from me. I do not know you. You did not obey my law. You did not love your neighbor. You did not love me. You were not thankful. All your efforts, works, and offerings were detestable.”
