Psalms 50 targets people who live their faith at a superficial level and as a matter of formality. God is judging his holy people, those whom he judges are a “consecrated people who made a covenant with me by sacrifice” (verse 5). Israelites in the Old Testament worshipped God through sacrifices. They were following Moses’ laws, and were doing so meticulously. Whey then did God rebuke them? First, these Israelites presumed that they were doing God a good deed and that God needed sacrifices. Had they not done so, the priests in the temple would have no food to eat and God would suffer loss. Their sacrifices were not offered out of a grateful heart. Instead, it carried with it an attitude of being self-righteous.

This form of worship satisfied the letter of the law but violated the intent of the law. At a superficial level their sacrifices appeared to be perfect and flawless. Even God could not find fault with what they did: “I bring no charges against you concerning your burnt offerings, which are ever before me” (verse 8). This, however, did not gain God’s acceptance.

Christians today do not need to worship through animal sacrifices. But does our weekly worship in church stop at external rituals? Do we truly appreciate the meaning of the lyrics when we sing hymns, and do we use the hymns to praise God? When we offer to God, do we give out of gratitude, or do so for the reason that “because others give, it will not look good on me not to give”? Do we hear sermons with a humble and teachable heart, or do we feel that we have heard these truths numerous times, and hence they are meant for this or that brother or sister?

Second, God rebuked Israel because they did not take God’s Word seriously. They were very familiar with the Lord’s Word. In fact, they could teach it to others. “But to the wicked person, God says: What right have you to recite my laws or take my covenant on your lips? You hate my instruction and cast my words behind you. When you see a thief, you join with him; you throw in your lot with adulterers . . . When you did these things and I kept silent, you thought I was exactly like you. But I now arraign you and set my accusations before you” (verses 16-21). The Israelites were very clear about God’s teachings. They, however, did that which they clearly knew was wrong. They used sinful means to achieve their goals. They also permitted others to sin. They thought God would not mind. They took God’s patience as a permission for sin. In our attitude to God’s Word, are we like these Israelites? Do we regard God’s Word as something we use to teach others, and which we use to promote lofty standards, without diligently obeying it ourselves?

“Consider this, you who forget God, or I will tear you to pieces, with no one to rescue you: Those who sacrifice thank offerings honour me, and to the blameless I will show my salvation” (verses 22-23). God has sternly warned us against hypocritical worship and fake formality. At the same time, he also told us the foundation of true worship: an obedient and grateful heart towards God. Let us always remember to count God’s blessing to us. Do not be ungrateful people. Since God is full of grace and kindness, even more should we submit and trust him.