There is only cursing, lying and murder, stealing and adultery; they break all bounds, and bloodshed follows bloodshed. Because of this the land mourns, and all who live in it waste away. Hosea 4:2-3 (NIV)
We need to wake up America. These words written thousands of years ago are just as applicable to us as they were to the Israelites long ago. A people without understanding will come to ruin. We cannot continue to “break all bounds” and consider ourselves safe to do all these detestable practices – “but I have been watching” the Lord of Hosts states. Our verse is from the Prophet Hosea and we discover the Prophet Jeremiah echoing the same sentiment over one hundred years later after the fall of Jerusalem: “Will you steal and murder, commit adultery and perjury, burn incense to Baal and follow other gods you have not known, and then come and stand before me in this house, which bears my Name, and say, ‘We are safe’--safe to do all these detestable things? Has this house, which bears my Name, become a den of robbers to you? But I have been watching! declares the LORD.” Jeremiah 7:9-11 (NIV).
God is not whimsical nor does He wink at sin – it cost Him the life of His Son. He knows that sin will cost us as well and it breaks His Holy heart when we choose to walk in darkness, wandering down a “trackless waste”. The time to turn is now. His heart is inflamed with compassion and pity for His own. “I will love them freely” is the desire of His heart. The generosity of this promise should heal our waywardness and invite the backslider to return
Who is wise? He will realize these things. Who is discerning? He will understand them. The ways of the LORD are right; the righteous walk in them, but the rebellious stumble in them. Hosea 14:9 (NIV)
A people without understanding will come to ruin! Hosea 4:14 (NIV)
Rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the LORD your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity. Who knows? He may turn and have pity and leave behind a blessing-- grain offerings and drink offerings for the LORD your God. Joel 2:13-14 (NIV)