7/8/2012
Hosea 10
-Verse one describes Israel as a luxuriant vine producing
fruit for himself. The more he prospered, the more alters and pillars were made
to false gods. Picking up in verse two, the heart of them becomes faithless and
God’s retribution is on them to break down. *Application* Think about what
prosperity does to people. It distracts them so easily from their Creator and
His plan for their lives. They turn to the gods of this world serving them by
fine and decadent living, which is self-indulging and corrupt by nature. Paul
talks often about true contentment in many places, but he is very pointed in 1
Timothy 6. Under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit he tells us that “the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and
some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith, and pierced
themselves with many a pang (1 Timothy 6:10).” He then gives the prescription
for this when he states, “But flee from these things, you man of God; and
pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance and gentleness (1
Timothy 6:11).” Instead of being self-absorbed, be generous with what the LORD
blesses you with.
-Verse four speaks of the
idolatrous nation’s worthless oaths in their covenant making. They cannot be
counted on for faithfulness and their judgments (lawsuits) are sprouting
poisonous weeds. *Application* The end result of luxuriant living leads to
empty words with no commitment or fortitude. Back biting and hatred occur as
people want more and more and more for themselves and their own causes.
-God’s vindication will
come to the unrepentant as we see in the following verses. The false gods will
not save and prosper them in the end. They will be seized with shame (Hosea
10:6). There will be destruction and dispersion as God chastises them according
to His desire (Hosea 10:10).
-God does make an
important statement for what should happen in verse twelve. “Sow with a view to
righteousness, reap in accordance with kindness; break up your fallow ground,
for it is time to seek the LORD until He comes to rain righteousness on you.”
*Application* O that we would apply this precious prescription for all that
ails us in our personal lives and in our wayward nation (2 Chronicles 7:14).
-Israel had done just the
opposite. They had plowed wickedness, reaped injustice, and eaten the fruit of
lies (Hosea 10:13a). This was all because they trusted in their own way rather
than in their LORD and because they counted on their numerous warriors (Hosea
10:13b). This turned God against them and every one of their plans would fail
in the end. *Application* This speaks very much to the American condition in
present times. We believe we can solve all of our problems through our own
intellect and wisdom. We believe we can find an answer and make everything
right in our own strength. We trust in our own mechanisms and military rather
than the God who created and established this nation. “In God we trust” are
mere words on our currency, not the desire of our heart. God has been patient
waiting for us to turn back to Him, but He will not tarry forever. Let us learn
the lesson from Hosea 10 before it is too late.
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