Psalm 50:14 – Offer unto God thanksgiving; and pay thy vows unto the most High:
The Psalmist Asaph wrote this chapter and he tells of God calling His saints together to judge them. He identifies who they are by saying “those that have made a covenant with me by sacrifice”.
In the Old Testament, God’s people had a complex system of laws to follow in order to worship God properly. One important aspect for the forgiveness of their sins was the offering of sacrifices.
But even when they did the sacrifices perfectly, their obedience didn’t make them perfect. Their minds and consciences were never clear of their guilt. It was never assuaged (softened, eased or lessened), and their sins were never permanently cleansed. (Hebrews 9:9; Hebrews 10:1-3)
The Lord wasn’t calling them together to reprove (blame or find fault with) them for the sacrifices, but He wanted to point out some truths. The Lord reminds them that they needed to move beyond the sacrifices, beyond the guilt. The physical act of doing the sacrifices was required, but only because it tested their obedience.
God didn’t need the dead animals. He wasn’t going to use the flesh and blood. They were just a foreshadowing of the death of Jesus (God’s perfect Lamb) on the cross of Calvary. (Hebrews 9:14; Hebrews 10:12-14)
What God truly desired was their hearts (Hebrews 10:16). He longed for them to offer thanksgiving to Him because of His goodness and love to them. Remember, in Leviticus 22:29, that even when they offered the sacrifice of thanksgiving, it was to be offered “at your own will.” He wanted them to be thankful because they loved Him.
God does not demand our thanks. But He desires it. He knows that when we humble ourselves enough to stop counting our losses and complaints and start counting our blessings from Him, He has our focus.
He can do great things with a man or woman whose heart and mind are turned toward Him, full of gratitude and thanksgiving.
Today is a good day to clear our minds of everything and focus on the goodness of God in our lives. Really begin to reminisce about how God has moved and protected and led in your life. Think about how He has blessed you. Let your thoughts move your heart to thankfulness, and then spend time in prayer, thanking the Lord for His many, many blessings.
Obtaining Mercy 