“Put the trumpet to your lips! … Israel has rejected what is good; … they set up kings without my consent; they choose princes without my approval.”
Hosea 8:1, 3-4
Israel’s desire to be like neighboring countries led them to long for kings who would permit them to blend in. By doing so, God’s bride—called out from among the nations to be set apart—slipped and deteriorated before her Groom’s loving eye.
Under the leadership of undiscerning rulers, Israel worshipped foreign gods, even Molech, a god who required human sacrifices in exchange for his favor. But pursuing prosperity through Molech came at the expense of their own children’s beating hearts. Imagine Hebrew parents assuring their sons and daughters about to be released into Molech’s sacrificial flames that they would die with honor (see Isaiah 57:5, 9). How far God’s people had sunk!
Unfortunately, we are not unlike Israel. As Christ’s bride, we too disintegrate and become culturally conditioned to accept things that are unacceptable to the Lord. Remember that everyone who guards what is precious to God has the promise of blessing. Every marriage, home, church, and nation that does the same shows others the life-giving way.
Under the leadership of undiscerning rulers, Israel worshipped foreign gods, even Molech, a god who required human sacrifices in exchange for his favor. But pursuing prosperity through Molech came at the expense of their own children’s beating hearts. Imagine Hebrew parents assuring their sons and daughters about to be released into Molech’s sacrificial flames that they would die with honor (see Isaiah 57:5, 9). How far God’s people had sunk!
Unfortunately, we are not unlike Israel. As Christ’s bride, we too disintegrate and become culturally conditioned to accept things that are unacceptable to the Lord. Remember that everyone who guards what is precious to God has the promise of blessing. Every marriage, home, church, and nation that does the same shows others the life-giving way.
Scripture Focus
Proverbs 8:12-21
Insight
“But for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings.” (Malachi 4:2)
Bible In A Year
- Isaiah 35-36
- Psalm 88
- Acts 10