Truth be told, I’d rather read Our Daily Bread on Easter Monday and reflect on how very old people reminisce on times of difficulty, how friendships are forged in trials.
Hosea’s message is not one to get excited about. Chapters 8-10 summarize their worship of idols and the definitive result in the destruction of many for this insipid people who lost their way completely, “though Ephraim built many altars for sin offerings, these have become altars for sinning” (Hosea 8:11). The message is clear, I wonder who is listening:
Do not rejoice, Israel; do not be jubilant like the other nations. For you have been unfaithful to your God; you love the wages of a prostitute at every threshing floor. Hosea 9:1
Such spiritual adultery (as the NIV Study Bible notes suggest) is disdainful and will be dealt with harshly by the Lord. I wonder how many people actually heard Hosea’s words. In today’s “enlightened” time, I imagine a post like this on some social media page would go unnoticed. Perhaps people remembered his words as they were herded off to exile, as they heard details of the destruction. At some point his words must have stirred a few hearts when they finally realized their “sins are so many and your hostility so great, the prophet is considered a fool, the inspired person a maniac” (9:7).
The cynical thoughts about appointed leaders of this ancient people sound very modern to me:
They make many promises, take false oaths and make agreements; therefore lawsuits spring up like poisonous weeds in a plowed field. Hosea 10:4
Doesn’t that remind you of current events? Anyone can be sued for anything. Is there a solution?
Sow righteousness for yourselves, reap the fruit of unfailing love, and break up your unplowed ground; for it is time to seek the Lord, until he comes and showers his righteousness on you. Hosea 10:12
That is the answer, no secret, no easy way out, complete repentance is required. Lord help us to hear your message clearly today, to understand the incredible truth of the resurrection, especially as we’re surrounded by those that think this is either a fantasy or simply don’t think about it at all.
Truth be told, I’d rather read Our Daily Bread on Easter Monday and reflect on how very old people reminisce on times of difficulty, how friendships are forged in trials.
Hosea’s message is not one to get excited about. Chapters 8-10 summarize their worship of idols and the definitive result in the destruction of many for this insipid people who lost their way completely, “though Ephraim built many altars for sin offerings, these have become altars for sinning” (Hosea 8:11). The message is clear, I wonder who is listening:
Such spiritual adultery (as the NIV Study Bible notes suggest) is disdainful and will be dealt with harshly by the Lord. I wonder how many people actually heard Hosea’s words. In today’s “enlightened” time, I imagine a post like this on some social media page would go unnoticed. Perhaps people remembered his words as they were herded off to exile, as they heard details of the destruction. At some point his words must have stirred a few hearts when they finally realized their “sins are so many and your hostility so great, the prophet is considered a fool, the inspired person a maniac” (9:7).
The cynical thoughts about appointed leaders of this ancient people sound very modern to me:
Doesn’t that remind you of current events? Anyone can be sued for anything. Is there a solution?
That is the answer, no secret, no easy way out, complete repentance is required. Lord help us to hear your message clearly today, to understand the incredible truth of the resurrection, especially as we’re surrounded by those that think this is either a fantasy or simply don’t think about it at all.