Hosea 7-8, Job 25-26, John 14:22-31, Revelation 2:1-17 Hosea 7-8: These are two chapters where God sets before his people their sins and their refusal to truly and genuinely repent despite his confrontation. He “would heal Israel,” but “they deal falsely” (7:1). They are “hot as an oven” (7:7), constantly burning with sin and rebellion. They cannot grasp that the root problem is their abandonment of their relationship with God: “Strangers devour his strength and he knows it not…yet they do not return to the Lord their God, nor seek him, for all this” (7:9-10). It is surprising how often people who are under discipline for their rebellion against God fail to grasp that the fundamental reason for their problems is their rebellion against God. People will try all sorts of other remedies—as Israel did—alliances, techniques, idols and other gods. Will they actually return to God? Israel goes calling out to Egypt and Assyria, looking elsewhere for help, not to God (7:11). “They do not cry to me from their heart” (7:14). Their continued effort to solve their problems is only impressive for its futility. They make kings, but not “through” God, not by his appointment or calling (8:4). And they try other gods: “With their silver and gold they made idols for their own destruction” (8:4). In one of Hosea’s most memorable phrases, “they sow the wind, and they shall reap the whirlwind” (8:7). They will not listen to the law of God, however much it was repeated (8:12) because, fundamentally, “Israel has forgotten his Maker” (8:14). These are hardly encouraging words, yet hugely important, and if taken to heart massively edifying. Our first response in difficulty or trial is to call on God. And when churches and lands suffer and struggle, let us turn to God, trust in Him, and repent of following other pluralistic gods and deities—instead, remember our Maker. To receive God Centered Bible devotionals directly in your inbox, sign up here.]]>