Israel’s sin cast a dark shadow over what could have been; the blessings given by God were lost as they chose to follow godless nations and their heart’s evil intents. The Lord repeatedly called them to return; they repeatedly came back for a short time; and they repeatedly rebelled against Him to walk in the vain wisdom of their minds. Through the prophet Hosea, the Lord again reminded them of who He is, who they were, and of His gracious working in their lives. “But I am the LORD your God from the land of Egypt; you know no God but me, and beside me there is no savior. It was I who knew you in the wilderness, in the land of drought” (Hosea 13.4-5). The Lord called them from the miserable bondage of Egypt; He delivered them; He led them through the wilderness; He provided for all their needs; He brought them into the Promised Land; He defeated their enemies; He reigned supreme over the new nation; they became comfortable. “But when they had grazed, they became full, they were filled, and their heart was lifted up; therefore they forgot me” (13.6). Satisfied and content, they “forgot” the Lord; they failed to remember; they delighted in themselves, neglecting God’s sovereign love and care.
In both times of ease and difficulties in our lives, might we diligently remember we have no other Savior, but our Lord; we have no other Redeemer but Jesus Christ; we have no other hope but the Almighty and Eternal God. As we become comfortable in our daily activities, content in our surroundings, satisfied in our endeavors, may we not forget it is the Lord who has given us the breath of life; it is through Christ we have new life; it is through Him we have all we do have. The Lord has brought us out of the bondage of sin, not so we could again choose to wallow in sin. Rather, the Lord rescued us so we might enjoy Him; that we might delight in Him; that we might worship and glorify Him; that we might be fully satisfied in Him.
Rescued and given new life – we have much to be thankful for –
Terry Burlingame
My Morning Desk 