Today’s selected reading continues in the New Testament gospel narrative of the life and ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ as it was written and recorded by the beloved physician Luke. More specifically today’s passage is found in the twenty-first chapter of this New Testament book. “And he looked up and saw the rich men casting their gifts into the treasury. And he saw also a certain poor widow casting in thither two mites. And he said, Of a truth I say unto you, that this poor widow hath cast in more than they all: For all these have of their abundance cast in unto the offerings of God: but she of her penury hath cast in all the living that she had” (Luke 21:1-4). “And as some spake of the temple, how it was adorned with goodly stones and gifts, he said, As for these things which. Ye behold, the days will come, in the which there shall not be left one stone upon another, that shall not be throne down. And they asked him, saying, Master, but when shall these things be? And what sign will there be when these things shall come to pass?” (Luke 21:5-7). “And he said, Take heed that ye be not deceived: For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and the time draweth near: go ye not therefore after them. But when ye shall hear of wars and commotions, be not terrified: for these things must first come to pass; but the end is not by and by” (Luke 21:8-9). “Then said he unto them, Nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: And great earthquakes shall be in divers places, and famines, and pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs shall be there from heaven. But before all these, they shall lay their hands on you, and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues, and into prisons, being brought before kings and rulers for my name’s sake. And it shall turn to you for a testimony. Settle it therefore in your hearts, not to meditate before what ye shall answer: For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist. And ye shall be betrayed both by parents, and brethren, and kinsfolks, and friends; and some of you shall they cause to be put to death. And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake. But there shall not an hair of your head perish. In your patience possess ye your souls” (Luke 21:10-19). “And when ye shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that the desolation thereof is nigh> Then let them which are in Judaea flee to the mountains; and let them which are in the midst of it depart out; and let not them that are in the countries enter therein to. For these be the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled. But woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck, in those days! For there shall be great distress in the land, and wrath upon this people. And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations: and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled. And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; men’s hearts failing them for fear, and for. Looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken. And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh” (Luke 21:20-28). “And he spake to them a parable; Behold the fig tree, and all the trees; when they now shoot forth, ye see and know of your own selves that summer is now nigh at hand. So likewise ye, when ye see these things come to pass, know ye that the kingdom of God is nigh at hand. Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass away, till all be fulfilled. Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away” (Luke 21:29-33). “And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares. For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth. Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man” (Luke 21:34-36). “And in the day time he was teaching in the temple; and at night he went out, and abode in the mount that is called the mount of Olives. And all the people came early in the morning to him in the temple, for to hear him” (Luke 21:37-38). When you come to this particular portion of Scripture you will find Luke’s account of the words which Jesus would speak unto His disciples and those who walked with and followed Him in the midst of the city of Jerusalem. As you come to this passage of Scripture you will find Luke’s account of those who walked with and followed the Lord Jesus within the court of the Temple—and not only within the Temple of the Lord but also outside the Temple. We dare not and must not miss and lose sight of the words which are found here in this passage of Scripture for what we find here is the absolutely incredible reality of the Lord’s words concerning the Last Days. If you take the time to read the words which are presented here in this passage of Scripture you will find the passage of Scripture beginning within the treasury of the Temple. Here in the opening verses of the passage of Scripture you will find the Lord Jesus being together with His disciples in the treasury of the Temple as men and women would come with their tithes and offerings. What makes the opening verses of this passage so incredibly unique and interesting when you take the time to think about it is when you consider that this was entirely and altogether different from the gifts and offerings which were brought as sacrifices to be presented upon the altar. That which we find here in this passage of Scripture calls and draws our attention to the incredible difference between what might have been considered the presentation of sacrifices and offerings unto the LORD and that which was considered tithes and offerings. The words which we see here in this passage of Scripture calls and draws our attention to the treasury of the Temple where men and women would bring of their own tithes and offerings and present them before and unto the living God. With this being said it’s important to note the drastic difference which is found in this passage of Scripture and how there are two individuals which we see here in the treasury and yet one who’s offering pleased the LORD and one which pleased not the LORD and was in all reality nothing more than that which they did out of a sense of duty and responsibility. If you consider the words which are found in the New Testament gospel narrative written by the beloved physician Luke you will notice that it is a book of contrasts. You cannot read this particular gospel and not encounter and come face to face with Luke presenting two individuals in the same scenario and the dramatic difference between the two. I am sitting here today thinking about the various words and language that is contained in this gospel and I’m brought face to face with some of the wonderful and powerful examples of the comparison and contrasts which we find here. Within this New Testament gospel we find the contrast between Mary and her sister Martha who invited the Lord Jesus into their home. It would be there in their house where they would invite the Lord Jesus to fellowship and supping with them and how Martha cambered herself about with much serving while Mary gave herself to sitting at the feet of Jesus. In addition to Mary and Martha we find the contrast of Simon the Pharisee who invited the Lord Jesus into his house and the woman from the city who was a sinner. In the seventh chapter of this New Testament gospel we find the dramatic encounter between the Lord and Simon the Pharisee as Jesus confronted him on his lack of action and hospitality having invited Him into his own house. As I consider the words which are found in the New Testament gospel narrative written by Luke I can’t help but be brought face to face with the comparison which existed between the rich man and Lazarus who was a poor beggar who sat outside the gate of his house. The rich man—one whose name we are not given and do not learn—would live luxuriously and sumptuously during this days while Lazarus would desire the very crumbs and scraps from his table. Eventually and ultimately both the rich man and Lazarus would die as the rich man would find himself in torment while Lazarus found himself being escorted to Abraham’s bosom. This is incredibly interesting for within this gospel we also find the contrast which existed between the younger brother whom scholars and church history has labeled as “the prodigal son” and the elder brother whom many have referred to as “the religious brother.” Within the fifteenth chapter of the New Testament gospel narrative written by the beloved physician Luke we find the comparison between this younger brother who desired of his father his portion of the inheritance that he might live his life how he desired and how he pleased. This younger brother would indeed squander his portion of his father’s goods and inheritance on riotous living and on prostitutes and who knows what else. Eventually a famine would come upon the land and this younger brother would find himself tending a herd of pigs for a local and even desiring the same food which the pigs ate. It would be in that place this younger brother would lift his eyes up toward heaven and would desire that he return unto his father’s house knowing that even his father’s servants were treated better and taken care of more than he presently was. Eventually this younger brother would rise up from the place where he was and would make his way home unto his father’s house where he would be embraced by the father, given a robe upon his form, a ring upon his finger and shoes for his feet. Not only this but the father would throw a great celebration and party to celebrate the return of his son—a party which would offend the elder brother who could not understand why his father would throw a party for a son who had squandered all of his goods and possessions on riotous living. With all of this being said you will continue reading this New Testament gospel and you will find the dramatic contrast between the priest and the Levite who came upon the place where one who was come upon by thieves and stripped, wounded and left half dead on the side of the road and the Good Samaritan. It would be within this New Testament gospel we are brought face to face with Jesus delivering a parable in response to the question one would ask him centered upon who their neighbor truly was in this world. This question would indeed be asked by this lawyer who sought to justify himself in the presence of the Lord Jesus concerning loving his neighbour as himself. When Jesus declared unto him that he ought to love his neighbor as himself this lawyer would seek to justify himself by asking just who exactly his neighbor truly was. Jesus’ response to his question would indeed be a powerful contrast between a priest and Levite who came upon a man who had been left half dead after being overtaken by thieves, stripped and left for dead and a Good Samaritan who would come to that place and not only treat the man right where he was but would also put him on his own mule or donkey and transport him to an inn where he would pay to have this man taken care of and treated. Oh this is incredibly important for us to recognize and pay attention to for within this gospel there is also the contrast which existed between the rich young ruler who came running unto and kneeling before the Lord Jesus asking him what good thing he needed to do to be saved. It would be in direct response to this rich young ruler’s question Jesus would ultimately declare unto him that if he wished to have treasure in heaven and inherit eternal life he needed to sell all that he had and give to the poor that he might have treasure in heaven—and not only have treasure in heaven but also that he might be delivered and set free that he might take up his cross, come after and follow the Lord Jesus. This would be in direct contrast to Zacchaeus who was the chief publican who was rich and had much possessions who would declare unto the Lord that he would give half his possessions unto the poor and would restore fourfold to anyone whom he had extorted through fraudulent means. The New Testament gospel narrative written by Luke is an incredible book of contrasts which exists within the parables the Lord Jesus taught—even the contrast which existed between the servants who were given the ten talents and the five talents with the servant who was given the one talent. Moreover it would be in this New Testament gospel we find a contrast which existed between the publican and the Pharisee which entered into the Temple to pray before and unto the living God. It would be in this gospel we find the Lord Jesus delivering a parable to those who justified themselves and who trusted in their own righteousness rather than the righteousness that comes from God alone. Within this parable Jesus would describe a Pharisee and a publican who would both come unto the Temple to pray before and unto the living God and how only one of them would depart unto their home justified in the sight of the living God. Not only this but within this passage of Scripture we find the contrast between the rich men who entered into the Temple and cast their gifts into the treasury and a certain poor widow who cast into the treasury her two mites. It would be in response to this poor widow casting in her two mites that would prompt the Lord Jesus to declare unto those who were with him that this woman gave more than all those who had given their gifts and their tithes into the treasury because she gave out of her poverty while they all gave out of their wealth and prosperity. In addition to all of this we find written in this passage of Scripture the contrast which existed between the two thieves who were on the cross being crucified together with the Lord Jesus—one on His left and the other on His right. One of the thieves which were on the cross together with the Lord Jesus would revile and hurl insults at Him while the other would ask Him to remember him when he entered into His Father’s house and kingdom. It is with all of this being said I find it absolutely necessary to call and draw your attention to the various contrasts and comparisons which exist in this New Testament gospel narrative written by the beloved physician Luke. I am absolutely convinced that before we can delve into the rest of this chapter and in order to understand the opening verses of the twenty-first chapter of this gospel we need to recognize and understand the tremendous contrasts which exist within this gospel. I would dare say that if you want to truly understand this gospel you need to understand the contrasts which are present within it for in all reality the gospel of the kingdom is essentially a sword which divides asunder the hearts and souls of men. If there is one thing we must needs recognize and understand it’s how the gospel of the kingdom would draw a dividing line and a distinction between men and the condition of their hearts and souls. Oh within this gospel there is even a contrast which exists between the scribes and the Pharisees who condemned the Lord for eating and drinking with sinners and the publicans and sinners themselves who came unto the Lord Jesus for to hear and listen to the words which He would speak. Having said all of this I now invite you to consider the following passages which are found in this New Testament gospel narrative and come face to face with the dramatic contrasts and comparisons which are present in the midst of it: “And after these things he went forth, and saw a publican, named Levi, sitting at the receipt of custom: and he said unto him, Follow me. And he left all, rose up, and followed him. And Levi made him a great feast in his own house: and there was a great company of publicans and of others that sat down with them. But their scribes and Pharisees murmured against his disciples, saying, Why do ye eat and drink with publicans and sinners? And Jesus answering said unto them, They that are whole need not a physician; but they that are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance” (Luke 5:27-32). “And they said unto him, Why do the disciples of John fast often, and make prayers, and likewise the disciples of the Pharisees; but thine eat and drink? And he said unto them, Can ye make the children of the bride chamber fast, while the bridegroom is with them? But the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken away from them, and then shall they fast in those days. And he spake also a parable unto them; NO man putteth a piece of a new garment upon an old; if otherwise, then both the new maketh a rent,a nd the piece that was taken out of the new agreeth not with the old. And no man putteth new wine into old bottles; else the new wine will burst the bottles, and be spilled, and the bottles shall perish. But new wine must be put into new bottles; and both are preserved. NO man also having drunk old wine straightway desireth new: for he saith, The old is better” (Luke 5:33-39). “Now when he had ended all his sayings in the audience of the people, he entered into Capernaum. And a certain centurion’s servant, who was dear unto him, was sick, and ready to die. And when he heard of Jesus, he sent unto him the elders of the Jews, beseeching him that he would come and heal his servant. And when they came to Jesus, they besought him instantly, saying, That he was worthy for whom he should do this: for he loveth our nation, and he hath built us a synagogue. Then Jesus went with them. And when he was now not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to him, saying unto him, Lord, trouble not thyself: for I am not worthy that thou shouldest enter under my root: Wherefore neither thought I myself worthy to come unto thee: But say in a word, and my servant shall be healed. For I also am a man set under authority, having under me soldiers, and I say unto one, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it. When Jesus heard these things, he marveled at him, and turned him about, and said unto the people that followed him, I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel. And they that were sent, returning to the house, found the servant whole that had been sick” (Luke 7:1-10). “And one of the Pharisees desired him that he would eat with him. And he went into the Pharisees’s house, and sat down to meat. And, behold, a woman in the city, which was a sinner, when shew knew that Jesus sat at meat in the Pharisee’s house, brought an alabaster box of ointment, and stood at his feet behind him weeping and began to wash his feet with tears, and did wipe them with the hairs of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment. Now when the Pharisee which had bidden him saw it, he spake within himself, saying, This man, if he were a prophet, would have known who and what manner of woman this is that toucheth him: for she is a sinner. And Jesus answering said unto him, Simon, I have somewhat to say unto thee. And he saith, Master, say on. There was a certain creditor which had two debtors: the one owed five hundred pence, and the other fifty. And when they had nothing to pay, he frankly forgave them both. Tell me therefore, which of them will love him most? Simon answered and said, I suppose that he, to whom he forgave the most. And he said unto him, Thou hast rightly judged. And he turned to the woman, and said unto Simon, Seest thou this woman? I entered into thine house, thou gavest me no water for my feet: but she hath washed my feet with tears, and wiped them with the hairs of her head. Thou gavest me no kiss: but this woman since the time I came in hath not ceased to kiss my feet. My head with oil thou didst not anoint: but this woman hath anointed by feet with ointment. Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little. And he said unto her, Thy sins are forgiven. And they that sat at meat with him began to say within themselves, Who is this that for giveth sins also? And he said to the woman, Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace” (Luke 7:36-50). “And it came to pass, as he was alone praying, his disciples were with him: and he asked them, saying, Whom say the people that I am? They answering said, John the Baptist; but some say Elias; and others say, that one of the old prophets is risen again. He said unto them, But whom say ye that I am? Peter answering said, The Christ of God. And he straitly charged them, and commanded them to tell no man that thing; saying, The Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be slain, and be raised the third day. And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it. For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away? For whosoever shall be ashamed of me and of my words, of him shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he shall come in his own glory, and in his Father’s, and of the holy angels. But I tell you of a truth, there be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the kingdom of God” (Luke 9:18-27). “And, behold a certain lawyer stood up, and tempted him, saying, master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? He said unto him, What is written in the law? How readiest thou? And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself. And he said unto him, Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live. But he, willing to justify himself, said unto Jesus, And who is my neighbour? And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead. And by chance there came down a certain priest that way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side. But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him, and went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him. And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee. Which now of these three, thickest thou was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves? And he said, He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go and do thou likewise” (Luke 10:25-37). “Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus’ feet, and heard his word. But Martha was cambered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? Bid here therefore that she help me. And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: but one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her” (Luke 10:38-42). “Then Peter said unto him, Lord, speakest thou this parable unto us, or even to all? And the Lord said, Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his lord shall make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of meat in due season? Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing. OF a truth I say unto you, that he will make him ruler over all that he hath. But and if that servant say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; and shall begin to beat the menservants and maidens, and to eat and drink, and to drunken; the lord of that servant will come in a day when he looked not for him, and at an hour when he is not aware, and will cut him in sunder, and will appoint him his portion with the unbelievers. And that servant, which knew his lord’s will, and prepared not himself, neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes. But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more” ((Luke 12:41-48). “And when one of them that sat at meat with him heard these things, he said unto him, Blessed is he that shall eat bread in the kingdom of God. Then said he unto him, A a certain man made a great supper, and bade many: and sent his servant at supper time to say to them that were bidden, Come; for all things are now ready. And they all with one consent began to make excuse. The first said unto him, I have bought a piece of ground, and I must needs go and see it: I pray thee have me excused. And another said, I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to prove them: I pray thee have me excused. And another said, I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come. So that servant came, and shewed his lord these things. Then the master of the house being angry said to his servant, Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in hither the poor, and the maimed, and the halt, and the blind. And the servant said, Lord, it is done as thou hast commanded, and yet there is room. And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled. For I say unto you, That none of those men which were bidden shall taste of my supper” (Luke 14:15-24). “Then drew near unto him all the publicans and sinners for to hear him. And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them. And he spake this parable unto them, saying, What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost until he find it? And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when hot cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost. I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance” (Luke 15:1-7). “And he said, A certain man had two sons: and the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me. And he divided unto them his living. And not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living. And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that land; and he began to be in want. And he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country; and he sent him into his fields to feed swine. And he would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat: and no man gave unto him. And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father’s have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! I will raise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee, and am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants. And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him. And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son. But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet: and bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry: For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry. Now his elder son was in the field: and as he came and drew nigh to the house, he heard musick and dancing. And he called one of the servants, and asked what these things meant. And he said unto him Thy brother is come; and thy father hath killed the fatted calf, because he hath received him safe and sound. And he was angry, and would not go in: therefore came his father out, and intreated him. And he answering said to his father, Lo, these many years do I serve thee, neither transgressed I at any time thy commandment: and yet thou never gavest me a kid, that I might make merry with my friends: But as soon as this thy son was come, which hath devoured thy living with harlots, thou hast killed for him the fatted calf. And he said unto him, Son, thou art ever with me, and all that I have is thine. It was meet that we should make merry, and be glad: for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found” (Luke 15:11-32). “There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fare sumptuously every day: and there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores, and desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man’s table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores. And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham’s Boston: the rich man also died, and was buried; and in hell he left up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame. But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedest thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented. And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence. Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father’s house: For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment. Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them. And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent. And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, thou one rose from the dead” (Luke 16:19-31). “And it came to pass, as he went to Jerusalem, that he passed through the midst of Samaria and Galilee. And as he entered into a certain village, there met him ten men that were lepers, which stood afar off: and they lifted up their voices, and said, Jesus, Master, have mercy on us. And when he saw them, eh said unto them, Go shew yourselves unto the priests. And it came to pass, that, as they went, they were cleansed. And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God, and fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks: and he was a Samaritan. And Jesus answering said, Were there not ten cleansed? But where are the nine? There are not found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger. And he said unto him, Arise, go thy way: thy faith hath made thee whole” (Luke 17:11-19). “And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God I thank thee, that I am not as the other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess. And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted” (Luke 18:9-14). “And a certain ruler asked him, saying, Good master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? None is good, save one, that is, God. Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honour thy father and thy mother. And he said, All these have I kept from my youth up. Now when Jesus heard these things, he said unto him, Yet lackest thou one thing: sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me. And when he heard this, he was very sorrowful: for he was very rich. And when Jesus saw that he was very sorrowful, he said How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God! For it is easier for a camel to go through a needle’s eye, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. And they that heard it said, Who then can be saved? And he said, The things which are impossible with men are possible with God” (Luke 18:18-27). “And Jesus entered and passed through Jericho. And, behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus, which was the chief among the publicans, and he was rich. And he sought to see Jesus who he was; and could not for the press, because he was little of stature. And he ran before, and climbed up into a sycomore tree to see him; For he was to pass that way. And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up, and saw him, and said unto him, Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down; for to day I must abide at thy house. And he made haste, and came down, and received him joyfully. And when they saw it, they all murmured, saying, That he was gone to be guest with a man that is a sinner. And Zacchaeus stood, and said unto the Lord; Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold. And Jesus aid unto him, This day is salvation come to this house, forsomuch as he is a son of Abraham. For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost” (Luke 19:1-10). It is at this juncture we come to the twenty-first chapter of the New Testament gospel narrative written by the beloved physician Luke. In the opening verses of this chapter we find Jesus in the Temple which was present in the midst of the city of Jerusalem. There in the midst of the Temple Jesus would watch and observe all the rich men casting their gifts into the treasury. What makes this particular passage so incredibly intriguing when you take the time to think about it is when you read how at the same time Jesus saw rich men casting their gifts into the treasury He also saw a certain poor widow casting in two mites. What is truly astonishing and captivating about the words present in this passage of Scripture is how Jesus would speak unto those who were with Him declaring unto them that this poor widow had given and cast in more than all the others who had gone before. All the others who came unto the Temple and cast their gifts and tithes gave of their abundance and plenty, however this woman cast into the offerings of God out of her poverty all the living that she had. OH if there is one thing we must needs recognize when reading the words which are found in this passage of Scripture it’s that while it is indeed true that we are instructed and commanded to give of our tithes and offerings the living and eternal God observes and pays attention to the heart. Oh I can’t help but be reminded of the words which are found in the Old Testament book of First Samuel and how when Jesse caused his eldest sons to pass before this prophet of the Lord he thought surely the eldest brother would be the chosen and anointed king of Israel. It would be in response to Samuel’s misperception and misconception about the heart and mind of the LORD that the living God would instruct him not to look upon the outer man and be impressed with it for the living God does not see as man sees. The LORD would declare unto Samuel that man looks on the outward appearance but the living God looks upon the heart. Not only this but LORD would also declare unto Samuel that He had rejected each of Jesse’s eldest sons save the last who was tending the sheep out in the field. It would be this shepherd who tended the sheep out in the field that would be the one whom the LORD had chosen and would anoint for he was a man after the heart of the living God. With this in mind I find it absolutely necessary to draw and call your attention to the words which the apostle Paul wrote in the epistles written unto the Corinthian saints for within the second epistle he would indeed write of giving unto the work and ministry of the Lord. It would be within the second epistle written by the apostle Paul unto the Corinthian saints that he would indeed declare how the LORD loved a cheerful giver. That which we find in the second epistle written by the apostle Paul unto the Corinthian saints is truly astonishing and captivating when you take the time to think about it for it brings us face to face with the incredible truth surrounding that which pleases and delights the living God. If there is one thing we must needs recognize and understand it’s that the living and eternal God looks upon the heart of a man when it comes to giving. Oh it is indeed true the living and eternal God has commanded and instructed us to give of our tithes and offerings and how there are even warnings within Scripture concerning tithes and offerings, however, we must needs recognize that even when it comes to our giving the LORD God looks at and examines our hearts. There are those who would think that their giving somehow pleases and delights the heart of the living God and even the Pharisee in the parable which Jesus told boasted of how he had given a tenth of his tithes and offerings unto the living God. This Pharisee boasted of his giving of tithes and boasted of his fasting twice a week and trusted in his own righteousness and yet the Lord Jesus would declare concerning him that it would be the publican who merely smote upon his breast and asked God to be merciful unto him who was a sinner who went home justified in the sight of the living God. The more I read the words which are found in this passage of Scripture the more I am brought face to face with the incredibly unique and powerful picture of those who according to the world’s standards and those who have their own opinions and thoughts about what pleases and honors the living God. I am sure that those whom Jesus watched and observed giving their tithes, their gifts and their offerings into the treasury perceived themselves as being pleasing in the sight of the living God and yet the truth of the matter is that their giving did not impress the eternal and only begotten Son of the living God. Pause for a moment and consider that which is found in this passage of Scripture for what we find here in this passage is an incredibly powerful picture of those who did indeed come to the Temple with their gifts, their tithes and their offerings and yet how their gifts did not impress nor please the Lord Jesus. Oh these words bring me face to face with the words which the the prophet Isaiah prophesied and are recorded for us in the first chapter of the prophetic book which bore his name. What’s more is I can’t help but be reminded of the words which are found in the first chapter of the Old Testament prophetic book of Malachi concerning the gifts and offerings which the people were. Bringing unto the living God. Not only this but I am reminded of the words which are found in the sixth chapter of the Old Testament prophetic book of Micah concerning that which the Lord has asked and required of us—this in addition to the words which we find in the second chapter of the prophetic book of Haggai. Oh there is a great deal of language that is found within Scripture concerning giving—and not only concerning giving but also concerning that which pleases the living and eternal God. I firmly believe we dare not and must not miss and lose sight of this for there is something truly challenging and compelling about the words and language presented in these passages of Scripture. I sit here today thinking about and considering the words which are found here in these chapters and how they are directly and intrinsically linked—not only to that which we find in the opening verses of the twenty-first chapter of the gospel written by Luke but also that which we find in the eighteenth chapter concerning the Pharisee. I am sure that all those who brought their gifts, their tithes and their offerings and cast them into the treasury thought they were pleasing the LORD with their giving and yet what we find here in this text is Jesus declaring that this poor widow who had cast in only two mites had given more than all those who had given before her for they all gave of their abundance while she herself gave of her poverty and gave all she had. What’s more is I am sure the Pharisee which was mentioned in the parable delivered by the Lord Jesus thought, assumed and believed that his fasting and giving somehow pleased the living God and somehow caused him to be justified in the sight of the eternal God. The truth of the matter, however, is that it was the publican and not the Pharisee who would depart unto his home being justified in the sight of God because of his humility in the sight of the living God. What’s more is that it would be the poor widow and not all those who had gone before her and cast into the treasury of their abundance who would depart having given more than all them combined and having pleased and delighted the heart of the Father. It would be Jesus who would speak of the publican that he would depart and return unto his house justified in the sight of the living God while it would be Jesus who declare concerning the poor widow that she had cast in more than any of the others who had gone before her for she gave of her poverty and had given all that she had. Oh we must needs recognize and understand this for when it comes to our fasting, when it comes to our giving and even when it comes to our praying we must recognize and understand that the living and eternal God looks at and examines the heart and not outward appearances. Before delving into the words which are found in the Old Testament prophetic books of Isaiah, Micah, Haggai and Malachi I find it absolutely necessary to first draw your attention to the words which are found in the sixth chapter of the New Testament gospel narrative written by the apostle Matthew. It is within the opening verses of the sixth chapter of this New Testament book we are brought face to face with the incredible truth surrounding giving of alms, prayer and fasting. There is a great need of runs to pay close attention to the words and language found in this passage of Scripture for what we find here calls and draws our attention to those who give that they might be seen of men and receive reward of them, those who pray to be seen and heard of men that they might receive reward of them and those who fast to be seen and observed of men and somehow receive reward from them here in the earth. There is a great need for us to consider the words presented in this passage of Scripture for they call and draw our attention to the absolutely wonderful and powerful truth concerning the view, the heart and the mind of the living God concerning our fasting, our giving and our praying. There are those who think and believe their fasting, their giving and their praying somehow pleases the living God and yet the truth of the matter is that the LORD looks at the heart of a man and sees beyond external appearances. That which might appear on the outside to please man and that which on the outside appears to be righteous in the sight of man might very well be that which is an abomination in the sight of the living God. Oh consider if you will the words which are found in the sixth chapter of the New Testament gospel narrative written by the apostle Matthew, the words which are found in the fifty-eighth chapter of the Old Testament prophetic book of Isaiah as well as the words which are found in the sixteenth chapter of the Old Testament book of First Samuel: “Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven. Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth: That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly” (Matthew 6;1-4). “And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut the door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly. But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. Be not ye therefore like unto them: For your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him. After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen” (Matthew 6:5-13). “Moreover when ye fast, be not as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigured their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face; that thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret: and thy Father, which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly” (Matthew 6:16-18). “Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and shew my people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins. Yet they seek me daily, and delight to know my ways, as a nation that did righteousness, and forsook not the ordinances of their God: they ask of me the ordinances of justice; they take delight in approaching to God. Wherefore have we fasted, say they, and thou Seest not? Wherefore have we afflicted our soul, and thou takes no knowledge? Behold, in the day of your fast ye find pleasure, and exact all your labours. Behold, ye fast for strife and debate, and to smite with the fist of wickedness: Ye shall not fast as ye do this day, to make your voice to be heard on high. Is it such a fast that I have chosen? A day for a man to afflict his soul? Is it to bow down his head as a bulrush, and to spread sackcloth and ashes under him? Wilt thou call this a fast, and an acceptable day to the LORD? Is not this the fast that I have chosen? To loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke? Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? When thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh? Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily: and thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the LORD shall be thy rereward. Then shalt thou call, and the LORD shall answer; thou shalt cry, and he shall say, Here I am. If thou take away from the midst of thee the yoke, the putting forth of the finger, and speaking vanity; and if thou draw out thy soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul; then shall thy light rise in obscurity, and thy darkness be as the noonday: and the LORD shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not. And they that shall be of thee shall build the old waste places: thou shalt raise up the foundation of many generations; and tho shalt be called, The repairer of the breach, the restorer of paths to dwell in” (Isaiah 58:1-12). Consider if you will the following words which are found in the twenty-ninth chapter of the same Old Testament prophetic book of Isaiah beginning to read with and from the ninth verse—words which were used of Jesus when speaking unto the scribes and Pharisees when they tried to indict, condemn and judge the disciples for eating bread with unwashed hands: “Stay yourselves, and wonder; Cry ye out, and cry: They are drunken, but not with wine; They stagger, but not with strong drink. For the LORD hath poured out upon you the spirit of deep sleep, and hath closed your eyes: The prophets and your rulers, the seers hath he covered. And the vision of all is become unto you as the words of a book that is sealed, which men deliver to one that is learned, saying, Read this, I pray thee: And he saith, I cannot; for it is sealed: And the book is delivered to him that is not learned, saying, Read this, I pray thee: And he saith, I am not learned. Wherefore the LORD said, Forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the percent of men. Therefore, behold, I will proceed to do a marvellous work among this people, even a marvellous work and a wonder: For the wisdom of their wise men shall perish, and the understanding of their prudent men shall be hid” (Isaiah 29:9-14). Here are the words which are found in the sixteenth chapter of the Old Testament book of First Samuel beginning with the first verse when Samuel was sent by the LORD unto the town of Bethlehem and unto the house of Jesse to anoint the next king of Israel—while Saul was still on the throne. Consider the following words which are present in this passage of Scripture beginning to read with and from the first and opening verse: “And the LORD said unto Samuel, How long wilt thou mourn for Saul, seeing I have rejected him from reigning over Israel? Fill thine horn with oil, and go, I will send thee to Jesse the Beth-lehemite: for I have provided me a king among his sons. And Samuel said, How can I go? If Saul hear it, he will kill me. And the LORD said, Take an heifer with thee, and say, I am come to sacrifice to the LORD. And call Jesse to the sacrifice, and I will shew thee what thou shalt do: and thou shalt anoint unto me him whom I name unto thee. And Samuel did that which the LORD spake, and came to Beth-Lehrer. And the elders of the town trembled at his coming, and said, Comest thou peaceably? And he said, Peaceably: I am come to sacrifice unto the LORD: sanctify yourselves, and come with me to the sacrifice. And he sanctified Jesse and his sons, and called them to the sacrifice. And it came to pass, when they were come, that he looked on Elias, and said, Surely the LORD’s anointed is before him. But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man lookers on the outward appearance, but the LORD looked on the heart. Then Jesse called Abinadab, and made him pass before Samuel. And he said, Neither hath the LORD chosen this. Then Jesse made Shammah to pass by. And he said, Neither hath the LORD chosen this. Again Jesus made seven of his sons to pass before Samuel. And Samuel said unto Jesse, Are here all thy children?: And he said, There remaineth yet the youngest, and, behold, he keepeth the sheep. And Samuel said unto Jess, Send and fetch him: for we will not sit down till he come hither. And he sent, and brought him in. Now he was ruddy, and withal of a beautiful countenance, and goodly to look at. And the LORD said, Arise, anoint him: for this is he. Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the midst of his brethren: and the Spirit of the LORD came upon David from that day forward. So Samuel rose up, and went to Ramah” (1 Samuel 16:1-13). I am absolutely convinced there is a great need to pay attention to each of these passages for when delivering the Sermon on the Mount Jesus would speak of those who gave their alms, those who prayed in the Temple and even those who fasted—not to be seen, heard or recognized by the Father who was in heaven but by men in the natural realm. There are countless men and women who pray, fast and even give that they might be seen and heard of men—even that they might receive rewards and accolades of men—and yet they are entirely and altogether unkown in heaven. Consider the parable of the Pharisee and the publican and how the Pharisee not only prayed loudly in the Temple to be seen and heard but also boasted of his giving and fasting. Although men and women might have heard the words this pharisee prayed and even observed his “holy” posture and “humility” he would leave the Temple having not been justified in the sight of the living God. What makes this all the more intriguing when you take the time to think about it is when you consider the words which the Lord Jesus would speak—not only which are recorded in the twenty-third chapter of the New Testament gospel narrative written by the apostle Matthew, but also that which is found in the New Testament gospel narrative written by the physician Luke. Consider if you will the following words which are found in each of these passages beginning to read with and from that which is found in the gospel narrative written by Luke: “And as he spake, a certain Pharisee besought him to dine with him: and he went in, and sat down to meat. And when the Pharisee saw it, he marveled that he had not first washed before dinner. And the Lord said unto him, Now do ye Pharisees make clean the outside of the cup and the platter; but your inward part is full of ravening and wickedness. Ye fools, did not he that made that which is without make that which is within also? But rather give alms of such things as ye have; and, behold, all things are clean unto you. But woe unto you, Pharisees! For ye tithe mint and true and all manner of herbs, and pass over judgment and the love of God: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone. Woe unto you, Pharisees! For ye love the uppermost seats in the synagogues, and greetings in the markets. Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For ye are as graves which appear not, and the men that walk over them are not aware of them” (Luke 11:37-44). “Then answered one of the lawyers, and said unto him, Master, thus saying thou reproachest us also. And he said, Woe unto you also, ye lawyers! For ye late men with burdens grievous to be borne, and ye yourselves touch not the burdens with one of your fingers. Woe unto you! For ye build the sepulchres of the prophets, and your fathers killed them. Truly ye bear witness that ye allow the deeds of your fathers: for they indeed killed them, and ye build their sepulchres. Therefore also said the wisdom of God, I will send them prophets and apostles, and some of them they shall slay and persecute: That the blood of all the prophets, which was shed from the foundation of the world, may be required of this generation; From the blood of Abel unto the blood of Zacharias, which perished between the altar and the temple: verily I say unto you, It shall be required of this generation. Woe unto you, lawyers! For ye have taken away the key of knowledge: ye entered not in yourselves, and them that were entering in ye hindered. And as he said these things unto them, the scribes and the Pharisees began to urge him vehemently, and to provoke him to speak of many things: laying wait for him, and seeking to catch something out of his mouth, that they might accuse him” (Luke 11:45-54). Consider now the following words which are found in the twenty-third chapter of the New Testament gospel narrative written by the apostle Matthew beginning to read with and from the first verse: “Then spake Jesus to the multitude, and to his disciples, saying, The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat: All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not. For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men’s shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers. But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments, and love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues, and greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi. But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren. And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven. Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ. But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant. And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be based; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted. But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in. Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For ye devour widows’ houses, and for a presence make long prayer: therefore ye shall receive the greater damnation. Woe unto you scribes, and Pharisees, hypocrites! For ye compass sea and land to make one proselyte, and when he is made, ye make him twofold more the child of hell than yourselves” (Matthew 23:1-15). “Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cumin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone. Ye blind guides, which strain at a gnat and swallow a camel. Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess. Thou blind Pharisee, cleanse first that which is within the cup and the platter, that the outside of them may be clean also. Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men’s bones, and of all uncleanness. Even so ye outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity. Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! Because ye build the tombs of the prophets, and garnish the sepulchres of the righteous, and say, If we had been in the days of our fathers, we would not have been partakers with them in the blood of the prophets. Wherefore ye be witnesses unto yourselves, that ye are the children of them which killed the prophets. Fill ye up then the measure of your fathers. Ye serpents, ye generation of vipers, how can ye escape the damnation of hell?” (Matthew 23:23-33). With all of this being said and considering the tremendous truth surrounding the Lord’s looking upon and judging us based on the condition of our hearts rather than external and outward appearances I find it absolutely necessary to present you with the words which are found in the Old Testament prophetic books of Isaiah, Micah, Malachi and Haggai. It is within these passages we are brought face to face with the tremendous and incredible reality of those who brought gifts, sacrifices and offerings to be presented upon the altar and yet those same objects did not please nor did they delight the heart of the living God. In fact it would be through the prophetic writing and voice of Isaiah the living and eternal God would actually command them to take away the offerings and sacrifices they brought unto Him because their hands were full of blood. Not only this but when we come to the opening chapter of the prophetic book of Malachi we find the LORD actually desiring that someone would shut the doors of the Temple and essentially cut off the altar from the gifts and offerings men would bring unto Him which were an affront, an assault and an abomination unto His holiness. Pause and consider the fact that it was indeed possible for men to bring their gifts, their sacrifices and their offerings before the Lord and yet the LORD actually took no delight or pleasure in them. When we consider those who cast their gifts and their tithes into the treasury it was the Lord Jesus who emphatically declared that this poor widow who was not coming for any accolades nor for any praise or reward from men who cast in two lowly mites and yet gave more than all those who had come and gone before her. This woman gave from her abject poverty and from her need and want and it was from that desire to simply give unto the Lord that caused Jesus to proclaim that she had given more than anyone else. This woman was not trying to impress anyone else and she did not care about the eyes of anyone being upon her when she gave unto the Lord. The only thing this woman cared about was giving unto the Lord what she had that it might be a pleasing offering in His sight. Consider now if you will the following words which are found in the Old Testament prophetic writings beginning with the prophetic book of Isaiah: “Hear the word of the LORD, ye rulers of Sodom; Give ear unto the law of our God, ye people of Gomorrah. To what purpose is the multitude of your sacrifices unto me? Saith the LORD: I am full of the burnt offerings of rams, and the fat of fed beasts; and I delight not in the blood of bullocks, or of lambs, or of he goats. When ye come to appear before me, who hath required this at your hand, to tread my courts? Bring no more vain oblations; incense is an abomination unto me; the new moons and sabbaths, the calling of assemblies, I cannot away with; it is iniquity, even the solemn meeting. Your new moons and your appointed feasts my soul hateth: they are a trouble unto me; I am weary to bear them. And when ye spread forth your hands, I will hide mine eyes from you: Yea, when ye make many prayers, I will not hear: your hands are full of blood” (Isaiah 1:10-15). “Wherewith shall I come before the LORD, and bow myself before the high God? Shall I come before him with burnt offerings, with calves of a year old? Will the LORD be pleased with thousands of rams, or with ten thousands of rivers of oil? Shall I give my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul? He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?” (Micah 6:6-8). “A son honoureth his father, and a servant his master: If then I be a father, where is mine honour? And if I be a master, where is my fear? Saith the LORD of hosts unto you, O priests, that despise my name. And. Ye say, Wherein have we despised thy name? Ye offer polluted bread upon mine altar; and ye say, Wherein have we polluted thee? In that ye say, The table of the LORD is contemptible. And if ye offer the blind for sacrifice, is it not evil? And if ye offer the lame and sick, is it not evil? Offer it now unto thy governor; will he be pleased with thee, or accept thy person? Saith the LORD of hosts. And now, I pray you, beseech God that he will be gracious unto us: this hath been by your means: will he regard your persons? Saith the LORD of hosts. Who is there even among you that would shut the doors for nought? Neither do ye kindle fire on mine altar for nought. I have no pleasure in you, saith the LORD of hosts, neither will I accept an offering at your hand. For from the rising of the sun even unto the going down of the same. My name shall be great among the Gentiles; and in every place incense shall be offered unto my name, and a pure offering: For my name shall be great among the heathen, saith the LORD of hosts. But ye have profaned it, in that ye say, The table of the LORD is polluted; and the fruit thereof, even his meat, is contemptible. Ye said also, Behold, what a weariness is it! And ye have snuffed at it, saith the LORD of hosts; and ye brought that which was torn, and the lame, and the sick; thus ye brought offering: Should I accept this of your hand? Saith the LORD. But cursed be the deceiver, which hath in his flock a male, and voweth, and sacrificeth unto the LORD a corrupt thing: For I am a great King, saith the Lord of hosts, and my name is dreadful among the heathen” (Malachi 1:6-14).