Scripture Text: Hosea 7:1-7
All of them are hot as an oven; they devour their rulers. All their kings fall, and none of them calls on me.
Hosea 7:7
For three days in 1988, Johnson was on top of the world. Amid a fantastic slate of runners, he won the gold medal for the 100 meter dash and set a new world record in the process. He was hailed as a hero in his native Canada and seemed ready to cash in on numerous endorsements. But then came the word that he had tested positive for steroids and Johnson admitted to having used them for several years. Stripped of his medals and records, Johnson was suspended, attempting a comeback in 1993, only to be busted afterward for doping again. This time, he was banned for life by the IAFF and still claims now and then that he was set up for the drug use while claiming many athletes today do it.
A once respected, admired, and decorated athlete was now left out of the Hall of Fame because of personal and professional transgressions.
Israel’s image was stained in God’s eyes by their rampant transgressions. Their sin stood in the way of God’s healing (v. 1). They were engulfed by their wickedness like the flames of a torch shining brightly for God to see (v. 2).
The fire metaphor sears throughout this passage, and it’s a fitting description of the nature of sin. Like a pre-heated oven that burns hot as dough is being prepared for baking, Israel’s sinful passions burned in anticipation of sinful acts (v. 4). Their sin was as varied as it was extreme, including adultery, violence, deceit, mockery, drunkenness, and theft. The national depravity was not a story of isolated incidents of sin; rather, it was an ongoing inferno of evil pursuits. Even more shockingly, the sinfulness of Israel pleased its leaders (v. 3).
It is bad enough that a nation’s rulers would tolerate deplorable behavior, but to actually delight in it is unforgivable! It was also their doom. The land’s kings were consumed by the flames of Israel’s sin. Facing the certain judgment of Assyrian exile, the sinfulness of the nation practically burned the kingdom to the ground. As the fire of sin burned and the nation of Israel crumbled, not one of the ruling kings had the humility or forethought to call on God for help.
God wasn’t ignoring their cries—there were none to be heard. Israel should not have been surprised to hear Hosea’s report of judgment. Not only did they fail to acknowledge their sin, but their leaders failed to turn to God even as their sin destroyed them.
Reflect
1. Do we detest our sins or delight in them?
2. Do we still see our sins and acknowledge it to God?
3. Do we run to Christ for forgiveness and for His rescue?
Remember
An immature follower of Christ might turn to Him only in times of trouble, but it is far worse to completely ignore Him when distress does come. Our impulse might very well be to run from Him when temptation comes. Or maybe we fear that He is tired of our pleas for help, as if we could wear out God’s mercy.
Neither is true—we can and should run to Christ, when we need both God’s forgiveness and His rescue.
Read
Job 36:10-13; Romans 2:5-8
Pray
Dear Lord, always remind me of Your grace in my life in every moment of it. Let me see the things in me that are not pleasing to You. Holy Spirit, as You convict me of those things, make my heart be a listening one to Your voice through Your words, the Scriptures and direct me to run towards my Lord Jesus Christ, for His forgiveness and for His rescue. In Jesus' Name I pray. Amen.
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