[1] From east to west, the powerful LORD God has been calling together everyone on earth. [2] God shines brightly from Zion, the most beautiful city. [3] Our God approaches, but not silently; a flaming fire comes first, and a storm surrounds him. [4] God comes to judge his people. He shouts to the heavens and to the earth, [5] "Call my followers together! They offered me a sacrifice, and we made an agreement." [6] The heavens announce, "God is the judge, and he is always honest." [7] My people, I am God! Israel, I am your God. Listen to my charges against you. [8] Although you offer sacrifices and always bring gifts, [9] I won't accept your offerings of bulls and goats. [10] Every animal in the forest belongs to me, and so do the cattle on a thousand hills. [11] I know all the birds in the mountains, and every wild creature is in my care. [12] If I were hungry, I wouldn't tell you, because I own the world and everything in it. [13] I don't eat the meat of bulls or drink the blood of goats. [14] I am God Most High! The only sacrifice I want is for you to be thankful and to keep your word. [15] Pray to me in time of trouble. I will rescue you, and you will honor me. [16] But to the wicked I say: "You don't have the right to mention my laws or claim to keep our agreement! [17] You refused correction and rejected my commands. [18] You made friends with every crook you met, and you liked people who break their wedding vows. [19] You talked only about violence and told nothing but lies; [20] you sat around gossiping, ruining the reputation of your own relatives." [21] When you did all of this, I didn't say a word, and you thought, "God is just like us!" But now I will accuse you. [22] You have ignored me! So pay close attention or I will tear you apart, and no one can help you. [23] The sacrifice that honors me is a thankful heart. Obey me, and I, your God, will show my power to save.
