Hosea 7:13 (ESV) —
13 Woe to them, for they have strayed from me!
Destruction to them, for they have rebelled against
me!
I would redeem them,
but they speak lies against me.
NOTE: I see three
key points in this verse. First, a woe is pronounced for the discipline
promised because of their sin. This is how God deals with persistent sin, he
disciplines us for our good. But, discipline is almost always quite painful.
Second, while he intended to discipline them, to bring them back to him, they
have gone from disobedience to outright rebellion. In God's eyes, this is not
something you can come back from--these actions have irrevocable consequences,
much as is later explained in the book of Hebrews. These are physical
consequences, most likely in accord with Deut 28. Third, God is still willing
to redeem the people, here is where I am unsure of the physical or eternal
aspect of the statement. Because of the previous rebellion and irrevocable
consequences, this might be spiritual and eternal. But the problem is that the
people's heart is not right--it lies as it entreats God for salvation.
Consequently, there can be no spiritual redemption either; they lie, they
really do not believe in God.
PRAYER: Father, I
believe this is also true for my nation. I don't know that they can call out to
you but in a lie, since they do not believe and refuse to believe. We are on a
path of destruction because of our rebellion. It will not be discipline, but it
will be destruction, much like Israel of the past.
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