Hosea Part 05
The leaders of a nation are accountable . . . both civil and religious! When judgment comes, it will be harsher on those who should know better and those who influence others.
“Hear this, O Priests . . . Give ear, O house of the king!” (Hosea 5:1). ‘Influencers’ are called to account here. Priests refer to religious leadership who teach counterfeit versions of the truth, or complete falsehoods because it serves their interests. The kings, or civil leadership, behave similarly. They ‘lead’ the way the people want to be led. They consider the opinion of the people more important than God’s directions. This is a pattern of human behavior that has been on display since the beginning of man, and is inspired by the adversary, Satan.
As we read through Hosea 5, we see the problem is amplified by material success and prosperity. It is in times of prosperity that nations and individuals struggle with their relationship with God, as they don’t feel they need Him and the pulls to go in other directions are intensified. The unleavened attitude of pride takes hold on the human heart and mind. This is an attribute of Satan, and easily creeps in. Human reasoning takes over humble obedience, and all sorts of sin is rationalized.
God allows the disobedience for a time to make room for repentance and then brings about circumstances to show His sovereignty and His judgment comes swiftly. This tends to bring about repentance, and this mindset is described in Hosea 6.
Hosea invites the nation and their leaders to repent. He describes the path to a restored relationship with God. He assures them that God will hear, if they ask, seek and knock in the process of pursuing the knowledge of God. They did not listen. The nations we live in and their leadership don’t listen today either. The truth is available, yet it is dismissed and other bodies of knowledge are pursued rather than the revealed knowledge of our Father.
Rather than seek God’s judgments and His definition of right and wrong, the nations seek other gods and defile the land while they commit lewdness. The harlotry continues and God’s judgment looms.
Hosea 6:6 is a great memory scripture: “For I desire mercy and not sacrifice, and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings.”
God wants our obedience. He doesn’t need our money or our knowledge or wisdom, rather He wants our hearts and minds dedicated to Him and obeying His laws.
UYA Team | uya@ucg.org
United Young Adults (UYA) primarily serves the 18–32-year age group for the United Church of God. There are three main areas of contribution to the lives of the young adults: Promoting Spiritual Growth, Developing Meaningful Relationships and Making the Most of Your Talents. The Know Your Sword series is a daily expository message introducing God’s Word from a trusted perspective.
