Imagine for a moment... You have gathered with fellow believers for your regular time of worship. As always, there’s a large crowd and a sense of anticipation. It’s easy to see why. The current government is strong and stable. Threats from neighbouring enemies have been put down. The country is enjoying a period of significant prosperity. Life has been good in recent years, and that feeling of ease is reflected among those present.
The worship gets underway and is dynamic: the prayers are rich, the offerings are received, and the songs are upbeat. There’s a visiting speaker today. He’s from the south, apparently, not far from the capital. The rumour is he’s already been causing a stir up here in the north; but he claims to bring a message from the Lord, so it’ll be interesting to hear what he has to say. It’s not long before the visitor opens his mouth:
‘I hate, I despise your religious festivals; your assemblies are a stench to me.
Even though you bring me burnt offerings and grain offerings, I will not accept them.
Though you bring choice fellowship offerings, I will have no regard for them.
Away with the noise of your songs! I will not listen to the music of your harps.
