Psalm 1, 2, 3; Isaiah 1:10-20; Luke 20: 1-8
Listen to the author read their meditation and prayer:
Wally Moore, Advent Meditation
“Hear the word of the Lord, you rulers of Sodom! Listen to the teaching of our God, you people of Gomorrah! “What are the multitude of your sacrifices to 
me?” says the Lord. “I have had enough of the burnt offerings of rams, and the fat of fed animals. I don’t delight in the blood of bulls, or of lambs, or of male goats.” Isaiah 1:10-21
Nothing in Isaiah suggests that we should not obey these laws and make these sacrifices. The problem is when we make sacrifices to the Lord that are a substitute for giving the Lord our hearts and our obedience. In this text and others, the Lord is clear that this is all that truly matters in our relationship with Him. Our genuine sacrifice must be an expression of devotion of our heart and should lead to our obedient service. Otherwise our sacrifices serve only as a reminder to the Lord of our rebellion.
An analogy would be an unfaithful husband who tries to buy his wife’s forgiveness with expensive presents. A vulnerable woman might tolerate her husband’s misbehavior for a time, but a secure woman would kick the untrustworthy mate out of her house. Expensive presents are no substitute for faithfulness and love. Additionally, the Lord is not vulnerable and has no need of sacrifices unless it is a true expression of our genuine devotion.
Loving God, I pray that I will not be distracted by the ways of this world and only offer you my true obedience and devotion.
Wally Moore
Director of Major Gifts and Planned Giving
SEMINARY OF THE SOUTHWEST
Wally Moore comes to the seminary from the Eanes Education Foundation in Austin. He served as Executive Director of what is the fund-raising arm of the highly acclaimed Eanes School District. In his seven years as Executive Director, the foundation raised and granted over $13 million to the district to fund additional teachers that enhanced student education at the nine district schools. Prior to serving as Executive Director, Wally served the foundation as a board member and board president. Prior to the Eanes Education Foundation, Wally worked for Austin’s public television station, KLRU-TV and Austin City Limits. He held several positions during his 8-year tenure including Vice President, Development. Wally is married to Polly and they have 2 children, Sam and Grace. He is a cradle Episcopalian and for the last 25 years, a parishioner at All Saints’ Austin.
