Bible Pathway - Sept. 20, 2012
Read Hosea 7
Highlights:
Israel's sin rebuked and captivity foretold; Israel's ruin and ultimate blessing.
I will heal their backsliding, I will love them freely (Hos. 14:4).
The warnings of “judgment” through the prophet Hosea were now changed to a message of “love”. This did not mean that God had changed His mind; it did mean that, even though God would judge His people, His love still reached out to them. He called for Israel to return to Him and reject the idols which drew her away, saying: O Israel, return unto the Lord thy God; for thou hast fallen by thine iniquity (14:1).
If Israel had only heeded the voice of God, He would have brought a revival to their land. Likewise, in the United States, we should turn back to God and allow Him to heal our land. God still loves His people and He still wants us to follow after Him. Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God (III John 1:11).
In the past, Israel had turned to the powerful nations of Egypt and Assyria for help and had fallen into the trap of worshiping their idols (compare 4:17; 8:4; 11:2; 13:2; Is. 42:17; 44;17). Before we know it, our attention has strayed from God to wordly things. We must be on guard because these wordly things easily become the object of our worship and replace God in our lives. Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world (I John 4:1). That is why it is so important to God's people to look to Him for their answers and their help. The majority of the time things will work themselves out if we will follow the Scripture. But seek ye first the Kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you (Matt. 6:33).
Every person has a god whether he admits it or not. Therefore, when man rejects the One True God, he accepts and substitutes another. Whatever things take the place of Christ in our lives, that thing — or person — becomes our idol. We can only serve one master. Many have tried to serve more than one master and found it impossible. Sooner or later the desires of those you serve will conflict with each other, forcing the servant to decide which one to follow. He will eventually grow to favor one or the other.
Jesus said: Ye cannot serve God and mammon (Matt. 6:24).
Thought for Today:
Sin and submission to God's Word cannot go together!
Christ Revealed:
In the son who was called out of Egypt (Hos. 11:1). This prophecy is twofold: one is a historical reference pertaining to Israel (Ex. 4:22-23); and the other is prophetic, looking to the sojourn of Christ as a child in Egypt (Matt. 2:14-15).
Word Studies:
9:1 hast gone a whoring, have committed spiritual adultery and idolatry, were unfaithful to God (Israel was regarded as the wife of Jehovah. Isaiah 54:5; 62:4-5); cornfloor, threshing floor; 10:5 calves, golden calf idols; 10:11 to ride, to put in harness; 11:12 yet ruleth with God, is still considered faithful to God.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for International Broadcasts sponsored by Lt. Col. Walter & Penny Swanson • Country: Trinidad and Tobago (1 million) two islands seven miles off the coast of Venezuela • Major languages: English and Hindi • Religious freedom • 34% Protestant; 29% Roman Catholic; 25% Hindu; 7% Muslim • Prayer Suggestion: Know that God answers prayer (Ps. 118:5).
Memory Verse for the Week: James 1:5
