Jeremiah 6:20-22

The Voice

Many people in Judah keep going through the motions of worship; they offer sacrifices and incense to the one True God. They speak superficial words when they think it counts, and they give Him extravagant gifts. But the prophet knows the mind of God, and God is not impressed with any of it. Empty worship is meaningless. In fact, empty worship may do more harm than good. These gifts and actions, it seems, have no meaning unless the hearts of the people are attuned to God, unless they are willing to hear and do what God asks. Obedience, you see, is better than sacrifice.

²⁰Eternal One: What use do I have of your expensive incense from Sheba
        or the fragrant reeds you offer Me from a faraway land?
    I will not accept your burnt offerings;
        the aroma of these empty sacrifices does not please Me.

²¹    And so I, the Eternal One, will place stumbling blocks on your path of rebellion.
        You will stumble indeed, fathers and sons alike.
    Neighbors and friends will be wiped out.

²²    Look in the distance, and you will see an army
        marching toward you out of the north.
    A nation whose size and might you can’t imagine
        is now awakening and coming from the remote parts of the earth.