Man's Delights vs. God's

Isaiah contains many passages in which Israel is condemned by God because she chose evil ways which God did not delight in. Indeed, Israel and God had a parting of ways in the things in which they delighted.

God even announced His lack of delight in Israel's sacrifices. He required instead justice and mercy and equity and protection of innocent blood. Israel, on the other hand, delighted in much sacrifice and religious rituals, thinking they would make up to God for her wicked ways.

Isaiah's remonstrance against Israel's formal worship versus obedience and righteousness was taken up by the Lord Jesus during His ministry. He pointed out that to obey is better than sacrifice. "I will have mercy, and not sacrifice," Christ quoted from the Old Testament with His approval.

The worst example of Israel's delight in wickedness and lack of delight in God's delight was manifest when Israel rejected Jesus and embraced Barabbas. No man ever did more righteous acts and acts of mercy than the Lord Jesus - His life was full of the things that God delights in. Yet Israel rejected Him, and took instead a murderer.

But God proclaimed that He delighted in Jesus: "this is My beloved Son, in Whom I am well pleased!"

Indeed, the disciples themselves failed to delight in the things of God. Peter rejected the offering of Christ - "Not so!" he rebuked the Savior.

Isaiah had specifically foretold that God would delight in the sacrifice of Jesus - "yet it delighted the Lord to bruise Him!"

But God changes the delights of His people! Now we delight in the sacrifice of Jesus at Calvary. It is the precious blood of our spotless Lamb! We herald our delight around the Lord's Table!