Bible Pathway - Sept. 19, 2012

Highlights:

Israel charged as an unfaithful wife; judgment upon adulterous Israel; Jehovah's withdrawal from His people; repentance urged.

Hear the Word of the Lord, ye children of Israel: for the Lord hath a controversy with the inhabitants of the land, because there is no Truth, nor mercy, nor knowledge of God in the land (Hos. 4:1).

God had called the Israelites to be His chosen people, poured out His love upon them as a husband, and united them to Himself as a wife (Is. 54:5-6). Therefore, Israel's forsaking God and turning to the idols of heathen nations was equal to a woman leaving her faithful husband and going to live with other men.

God was charging Israel with forgetting Him and rejecting His love (compare Mic. 6:2; Jer. 2:9). They had once again turned their backs on God and looked to false gods that they could see and touch. They had chosen idolatry over the true and living God. In our time we must do our utmost to not fall into the same entrapment. There are many things in today's society that could draw our worship away from God and toward them. Many are carrying a false message. Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves (Matt. 7:15).

When Hosea said there was no knowledge of God in the Land (Hos. 4:1), he did not mean that the people were ignorant of the existence of God or His Word. He meant the Israelites were neither obeying God nor showing any concern about wanting to know His will. This is why it's so important to read the Word of God everyday. This allows God to continually teach us daily. By reading and studying God's Word, we guard ourselves against falling into the same error that the nation of Israel was walking. Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of Truth (II Tim. 2:15).

There was no knowledge of God like that which the Apostle John wrote when he said: And this is life eternal, that they might know Thee the Only True God, and Jesus Christ, whom Thou hast sent (John 17:3). This kind of knowledge is the result, not only of hearing His Word, but believing the One who created us and acting upon His Word. But be ye doers of the Word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves (James 1:22).

And why call ye Me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say? (Luke 6:46).

Thought for Today:

A successful Christian life is possible only by obedience to God's Word.

Christ Revealed:

Through Hosea's love for his unworthy, sinful wife (Hos. 3:1-5). Our Lord Jesus not only loved us while we were yet sinners, but He also died the death of shame for us on Calvary so that all He possessed might become ours (Rom. 5:8; 8:32; II Pet. 1:3-4). I will betroth thee unto Me for ever (Hos. 2:19).

Word Studies:

2:3 (first) set, expose; (second) set, leave; 3:4 ephod, sleeveless priestly outer garment; 4:16 slideth back, is stubborn, obstinate. Israel has committed whoredom and sacrificed to idols.

Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Broadcasts sponsored by Mr. & Mrs. Ray Gnagey • Bible Pathway Media Producer: Rick Hash • Government Officials: Rep. John F. Tierney (MA), Rep. Tim Scott (SC), Rep. Henry Cuellar (TX), and Del. Donna M. Christensen (VI) • Country: Tonga (109,000) in the southwestern Pacific • Major languages: Tongan and English • Religious freedom • 55% Protestant; 22% Mormon; 14% Roman Catholic• Prayer Suggestion: Call upon the Lord in adversity, for He will hear (Ps. 116:1-4,8).

Memory Verse for the Week: James 1:5