By: Mrs. Saramma T. John
Man naturally is alienated from God and doesn't demonstrate any love towards his creator. It took a loving God with an everlasting love to reconcile man to God. Throughout the Bible we see glimpses of people who showed love and devotion to God. People who loved God and tried to please Him were far and few in their respective generation, until the coming of Jesus Christ. The Book of Genesis introduces two brothers who brought their offerings to God in order to please Him.
God was pleased with Abel and his offering which made Cain very angry. The Lord asked Cain why he was angry. He said, "If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must master it."
Gen.4:6 Pleasing the Lord should be the goal of all who believe in His son Jesus Christ. God loves us and wants the best for us. How can we please God? Hebrews 11:6 says, "without faith it is impossible to please Him" Enoch walked with God and he pleased Him. (Gen. 5:24). When we believe in God, and believe what He says, we will be pleasing Him. Jesus said that, "there is joy in heaven over one sinner who repents" Luke 15:7.The Lord takes pleasure in those who fear Him. Psalm 147:11. At the transfiguration mount the Lord said, "this is my beloved Son in whom I'm well pleased. Hear Him." Matt. 17: 5. There is no one other than Jesus who pleased God more and He alone should be our model and example.The prophet Samuel told King Saul, "behold to obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than fat of rams."Jesus said, he always did those things which pleased the Father. John 8:29. By our obedience to Him we become
more like Jesus.
The Lord Jesus Christ showed us the perfect example of doing His will. In Gethsemane he prayed, "nevertheless not my will, but yours be done." Luke 22:42 What kind of sacrifice does God expect from us? Let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God that is the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name.Hebrews 13:15-16 says, "do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased." Luke 12:32 says, "Do not fear little flock, for it is your fathers good pleasure to give you the kingdom. King David wrote, "You will show me the path of life. In your presence is fulness of joy and at your right hand are pleasures for ever more" Psalm 16:11