Amos 5:21-23

Amos 5:21-23 (ESV): “21  “I hate, I despise your feasts, and I take no delight in your solemn assemblies. 22  Even though you offer me your burnt offerings and grain offerings, I will not accept them; and the peace offerings of your fattened animals, I will not look upon them. 23  Take away from me the noise of your songs; to the melody of your harps I will not listen.”

Worship is a verb that requires an internal connection expressed through external actions. It’s not just singing songs or making sacrifices—it’s a posture of the heart.

As the Lord continues to speak through Amos, He establishes that worship is far more than showing up at an altar and going through the motions. God isn’t moved by empty ritual. In fact, that kind of worship invites judgment. The Lord is looking for worshipers whose outward expressions flow from genuine praise and adoration within. What the Lord is really saying is that He hates an insincere heart.

Is worship a verb to you? Do you realize that your actions must be matched with the posture of your heart in worship? Don’t approach God with a heart that exposes your worship as fake. Come to Him honestly and sincerely for one purpose—to glorify Him. As John Piper says, “God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him.” Worship God from the inside out!

Father, we thank You that You tell us what pleases You and what does not. May we glorify Your holy name with our hearts. We pray this in Jesus’ name, amen.