Hosea gives a sad commentary on the nation of Israel. There is no faithfulness or steadfast love, and no knowledge of God in the land (Hosea 4.1). The LORD says, I will return to my place, until they acknowledge their guilt and seek my face, and in their distress earnestly seek me (5.15). So, Israel was judged, scattered, and failed to submit to the LORD, choosing to believe lies. Israel has forgotten his Maker (8.14). This reflects on Israel and the choices the leaders and people made to ignore the Lord and their heritage. It is also a reflection of people, our nation, and our world in many ways. People have forgotten their heritage. Many have chosen the gods of pleasure, power, and prestige; they have chosen to follow the desires of the flesh the desires of the eyes and the pride of life (1 John 2.16).
May we be diligent in praying for ourselves that we would not be caught in ungodliness. May we be diligent in praying for our nation, our leaders, and those we know to return to the Lord, to see His grace, mercy, and love, along with His holiness and justice. The LORD says, I desire steadfast love and not sacrifice, the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings (6.6). The Lord does not look for us to just go through the motions of religiosity and speak things we know are right, while living in ungodliness and self-centeredness. His desire is for us to seek holiness, to follow in the footsteps of Jesus Christ, to live in harmony with His Word, and to submit to the work of the indwelling Holy Spirit. While we cannot make decisions for our nation or others, we can examine our own lives to identify preferred sin, to consider where we have forgotten our Maker, have made our own standards apart from the Word of God, and have chosen to ignore God’s redemptive love. May this be a time of honest examination and prayer in light of God’s Word, that we would unconditionally give to the Lord heart-rooted, steadfast love and faithful obedience.
Praying to faithfully live in truth – we have much to be thankful for –
Terry
My Morning Desk 