Hosea 8: 12-14 Turning away from God is dangerous!

Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  BLESSED!!

   

12 I have written to him the great things of my law, but they were counted as a strange thing.

  The laws were written for them, the Israelites, yet they acted as if those laws did not apply to them. Sometimes we sit in church, listen to the sermon, and think of all the people we know that should be hearing this. This is what Israel was doing constantly.  The Israelites should have listened and studied the word more, as should we when we think the lesson or sermon is applying to others.

13 They sacrifice flesh for the sacrifices of mine offerings, and eat it; but the Lord accepteth them not; now will he remember their iniquity, and visit their sins: they shall return to Egypt.

  Sometimes we become ritualistic in what we do. Example: When you say the LORD's prayer do you actually think about what is being said or just go through the motions?  Were the Israelites just "going through the motions" to possibly gain community approval or just avoid doing something different? Maybe we do what we think God wants making up for some bad behavior or possibly to gain God's favor.  We cannot just go through the motions as God will "acceppteth them not".  It is important to focus on God and act with true devotion.  

The last sentence-"they will return to Egypt" referring to the time they were slaves in Egypt.

14 For Israel hath forgotten his Maker, and buildeth temples; and Judah hath multiplied fenced cities: but I will send a fire upon his cities, and it shall devour the palaces thereof.

  Where is Israel placing its confidence at this time? They went to military strength, strong defenses and their economic stability. Does this sound like the world today?

   Yet the moral decay was apparent. They were removing traces of GOD throughout the land, as America and many nations do today.  And what will become of the nations that do so?  When a nation, Israel, (or America) forgets its Maker, the strength, no matter how strong, will prove to be worthless when put to the test.  Why?  Because God, the gentleman HE is, has pulled back as the nation(s) have said leave us, we are strong by ourself. 

  Wow, a lot to think about in these 3 verses.  Pray for our president, America and its people to keep God in our lives, in our cities, counties, and states.  Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny