The Intent of the Law
God looks not at the form of the letter, but the heart behind the message.
Ray Stedman gently invites us to move past mere ritual and into the heart of what God truly desires—genuine understanding and reverence for His intentions. In this passage, Aaron made a deeply reverent decision that went beyond the letter of the law. Though he should have eaten the sin offering according to the law’s outward prescription, he abstained, recognizing that his heart was not in a place to receive it meaningfully after the tragic death of his sons.
This moved Moses—not to anger, but to satisfaction—because Aaron demonstrated an awareness of God’s deeper desire: not ritual compliance, but heartfelt integrity.
Stedman reminds us that God isn't seeking performance or show. He is after sincerity, responsiveness, and true inward obedience. Aaron's decision showed not just knowledge of the law, but an understanding of the heart of the Lawgiver. And that understanding pleased God.
Personalized Journal Entry in the Holy Spirit’s Voice Through Scripture
I am the One who weighs the heart, not the hands alone. I search the inward parts and delight not in sacrifice without sincerity. The blood of bulls and goats has never satisfied Me unless the heart behind the offering is laid bare in reverence and truth. I dwell not in the motions of religion but in the inner sanctuary of a humbled soul.
Aaron trembled before Me not because of fear, but because he knew that something deeper had occurred—something weightier than ritual could resolve. He discerned that what I sought was not obedience to a rule, but alignment with My heart. In honoring the spirit of the law over its letter, he honored Me more deeply than any burnt offering could express.
So walk before Me not as those performing for approval, but as those abiding in My presence. Let your worship be living and holy, not rehearsed or routine. I am not wooed by your schedules or your spectacles—I am drawn to the one who comes to Me in truth, whose lips and life are not divided. When your heart moves toward Me in quiet trust, even if your actions seem unconventional, I see it. I receive it. I am pleased.
I do not desire your religious busyness, but your awareness of Me in all things. I am the God who sees not as man sees. I do not evaluate your life by the pattern of your habits, but by the presence of your surrender. When you honor Me with understanding, when your obedience flows from love, I rejoice.
I desire mercy, not sacrifice, and acknowledgment of Me rather than burnt offerings. If you live from the law written on tablets of flesh, not stone, then you will know the joy of My smile even when others misunderstand. Walk with Me in spirit and in truth, and you will find that I am already walking with you.
Scriptures Woven In:
Psalm 51:17; 1 Samuel 16:7; Hosea 6:6; Hebrews 10:1–9; John 4:23–24; 2 Corinthians 3:3
Prayer
Father, I trust that You always look beneath the surface to what’s true. You are never swayed by performance, ritual, or religious routine. You long for my heart—and by Your grace, I know You have it. Thank You for delighting in the posture of trust and reverence over the polish of public obedience. May my life remain ever responsive to Your Spirit rather than the pressures of tradition. I walk in the awareness that You are pleased not by what I do for You, but by what I allow You to do in me. Thank You for already making me acceptable and beloved in Christ.
Amen.
Devotional Credit: Immeasurably More by Ray Stedman
Photo Credit: Unsplash