In a heavenly courtroom setting, the Mighty Lord summons all peoples. He himself is the Judge, and He will judge with righteousness. In both the Old and New Testaments, the definitions of justice and righteousness are interchangeable. His judgment is the application of what is just and true. He speaks specifically to the ones who have entered into His holy covenant—the godly ones whose hearts are one with Him (see Psalm 50:1-6).

The Judge’s charges: “I do not rebuke you for sacrifices you continually bring to the altar…but why don’t you bring me the sacrifice I desire?” What does God desire? What can we give that He doesn’t already have? All that He created—the entire world and everything it contains belongs to Him.

He owns the cattle on a thousand hills; every animal of the field and forest belongs to Him and is in His thoughts. He knows every movement of the birds in the sky. He doesn’t need acts of sacrifice that are rituals and traditions and empty of real meaning. He doesn’t want outward obedience that doesn’t translate into trusting Him in everyday living (see vs 7-12).

The Creator of all desires something only we can choose to give Him—or not. We can give Him a heart of devotion that touches every aspect of life. He said, “…bring me your true and sincere thanks…show your gratitude by keeping your promises to me…honor me by trusting in me when you are in trouble. Call out to me and I will be there to rescue you” (see vs 14-15). 

God desires a life lived in the “gratitude of grace,” choosing to walk in what He defines as just and true. Gratitude is a sacrifice that truly honors Him. If we do so, the revelation of the miracle of His salvation, deliverance, and healing becomes a reality we truly experience (see vs 23).