His Love Overcomes….

When I read Hosea chapter 4 I can’t help but see the parallels between idolatrous Israel and modern day America. There is no knowledge of God in our land. People’s word means nothing. Violence is everywhere. Blame is passed off to someone else. People refuse to know God. Idolatry is rampant. People long for peace but never find it. They seek answers from idols, or psychics, or mediums. They love shame more than honor. Do you think this comparison is accurate? What can be done? A start would be accepting the consequences, and being sorry for what each individual is responsible for. The answer lies in the heart of every single man. Repent, and know God. His love can overcome a multitude of sins.

1 Hear the word of the Lord, O people of Israel!The Lord has brought charges against you, saying:“There is no faithfulness, no kindness,no knowledge of God in your land.2 You make vows and break them;you kill and steal and commit adultery.There is violence everywhere–one murder after another. 3That is why your land is in mourning,and everyone is wasting away.Even the wild animals, the birds of the sky,and the fish of the sea are disappearing. 4 “Don’t point your finger at someone elseand try to pass the blame!My complaint, you priests,is with you.5 So you will stumble in broad daylight,and your false prophets will fall with you in the night.And I will destroy Israel, your mother.6 My people are being destroyedbecause they don’t know Me.Since you priests refuse to know Me,I refuse to recognize you as My priests.Since you have forgotten the laws of your God,I will forget to bless your children.7 The more priests there are,the more they sin against Me.They have exchanged the glory of Godfor the shame of idols. 8 “When the people bring their sin offerings, the priests get fed.So the priests are glad when the people sin!9 ‘And what the priests do, the people also do.’So now I will punish both priests and peoplefor their wicked deeds.10 They will eat and still be hungry.They will play the prostitute and gain nothing from it,for they have deserted the Lord11 to worship other gods. “Wine has robbed My peopleof their understanding.12 They ask a piece of wood for advice!They think a stick can tell them the future!Longing after idolshas made them foolish.They have played the prostitute,serving other gods and deserting their God. Hosea 4:1-12

When the rulers of Israel finish their drinking,off they go to find some prostitutes. They love shame more than honor. Hosea 4:18a