At this point I really just have genuine questions. How can God "expect nothing" from us, yet desire acknowledgment? Isn't that contradictory? And then why would God want/need to be worshiped in the first place? If you're an omnipotent, omniscient, omnipresent being, why would it matter if a few mere mortals worshiped you or not? And then what about the people (like my example of the Amazon tribe whose members go their whole lives without outside contact) who never get the opportunity to hear the word of Jesus? Do they go straight to hell? They technically didn't accept the word of Christ. Is there a verse that exempts people like this?
Dear Midnight, actually great question, I didn't expect that. First, God deals with us because He loves us, pure and simple. Man stuck in his sins holds onto money tighter than about anything else. Giving unto the Lord that which belongs to Him in the first place is a test of our faith, not God's. It is also one way for God to show His promises to us.
John 3:16For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
Malachi 3:8Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings.
9Ye [are] cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed me, [even] this whole nation.
10Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that [there shall] not [be room] enough [to receive it].
11And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, saith the LORD of hosts.
As far as those that have not heard:
1) We are all without excuse from the things that He has made that tell us of God:
Romans 1:18For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;
19Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed [it] unto them.
20For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, [even] his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:
21Because that, when they knew God, they glorified [him] not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.
Secondly, God speaks in more ways than just the gospel.
Job 33:14For God speaketh once, yea twice, [yet man] perceiveth it not.
15In a dream, in a vision of the night, when deep sleep falleth upon men, in slumberings upon the bed;
16Then he openeth the ears of men, and sealeth their instruction,
17That he may withdraw man [from his] purpose, and hide pride from man.
18He keepeth back his soul from the pit, and his life from perishing by the sword.
19He is chastened also with pain upon his bed, and the multitude of his bones with strong [pain]:
20So that his life abhorreth bread, and his soul dainty meat.
21His flesh is consumed away, that it cannot be seen; and his bones [that] were not seen stick out.
22Yea, his soul draweth near unto the grave, and his life to the destroyers.
23If there be a messenger with him, an interpreter, one among a thousand, to shew unto man his uprightness:
24Then he is gracious unto him, and saith, Deliver him from going down to the pit: I have found a ransom.
25His flesh shall be fresher than a child's: he shall return to the days of his youth:
26He shall pray unto God, and he will be favourable unto him: and he shall see his face with joy: for he will render unto man his righteousness.
27He looketh upon men, and [if any] say, I have sinned, and perverted [that which was] right, and it profited me not;
28He will deliver his soul from going into the pit, and his life shall see the light.
29Lo, all these [things] worketh God oftentimes with man,
30To bring back his soul from the pit, to be enlightened with the light of the living.
Also stated in Romans:
Romans 2:14For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves:
15Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and [their] thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another
Yes, the conscience is a gift from God that gives an internal compass on right and wrong. I could go on, but God has and does reach out to every person every where. Can you be righteous by accusing God of unrighteousness?
