- Guard your steps when you go to the house of God. To draw near to listen is better than to offer the sacrifice of fools, for they do not know that they are doing evil. -
Well folks, we did it again. That’s another chapter in the rear-view mirror, and we are cruising onwards to Chapter 5.
Let’s get started.
The chapter begins with something more akin to the book of Proverbs than what we typically see in Ecclesiastes.
This isn’t about some meaningless aspect of our lives; it’s about the posture that we are to have when approaching a sanctuary.
Guard your steps is an interesting idea. A more modern way to express this phrase might be, “Be mindful about where you are heading.”
Why do we need to consider our steps as we head to church? Isn’t our destination already determined?
The warning is to ensure that we are not stepping to the left nor the right, to keep away all distractions stopping us from the righteous path.
It’s to enter in worship with God in a purposeful manner.
What do I mean? You’re not just walking into a building. You’re walking into the building containing His presence as well as the Body of Christ.
Have you prepared yourself to love her? Have you decided to be His hands and feet?
Are you too distracted by your misery and suffering that you can no longer be grateful for the blessings in your life, including fellowship?
Approach with an examined heart.
Solomon goes on to make a striking claim. He says it is better to learn instruction than it is to participate in the sacrifice of fools. He even goes so far as to say it is an act of evil.
Engaging in animal sacrifices was one of the most critical parts of the Jewish faith. By the shedding of blood was the remission of the nation’s sin.
It wasn’t a suggestion. It was an earnest command.
Now, I’m sure someone can prove me wrong, but I don’t know anywhere in the Torah where God commands the people of Israel to listen to the sermon.
I think you can say it’s implied, but it falls far behind the explicit, multiple, and detailed instructions on sacrifice.
In addition, these sacrifices are a future picture of what Jesus performed on the cross. Why does Solomon denigrate them?
What type of sacrifice is being performed? That of fools. What do the fools not realize? That they are doing evil.
How is it possible to sacrifice to God in a foolish manner? Because it is done in hate, pride, or drudgery.
If any of those devils possess the person performing the deed, then does not the emotion pollute the aroma going up to God? Is it not evil and repugnant?
Only a fool would do something so careless.
Why then must you listen? Why must you seek Biblical wisdom?
Because in the true fear of God and His word, you may be able to engage in your worship at church that is in no way repugnant to your savior.
Have you guarded your steps when heading into His sanctuary, or have you waltzed in with a careless soul?
Listen, that you may grow. Guard, that you not sin.
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