QT 4 Aug 2020, Hos 8:4-6, A government that will really work

Hosea 8:4–6 (ESV) —

4 They made kings, but not through me.

They set up princes, but I knew it not.

With their silver and gold they made idols

for their own destruction.

5 I have spurned your calf, O Samaria.

My anger burns against them.

How long will they be incapable of innocence?

6 For it is from Israel;

a craftsman made it;

it is not God.

The calf of Samaria

shall be broken to pieces.

NOTE: There is so much to this story and it is evil all around. Rehoboam was stupid to answer the people as he did. The people rebelled against the authority placed over them. Jeroboam instituted two calves at the northern and southern ends of the land for the people to worship. Rehoboam, the people, and Jeroboam all sinned. The worst sin of all, was Jeroboam's sin. It was in complete defiance of God's law. It was an irrevocable decision by Israel. From that point on, no family ruled Israel (the Norther Kingdom, also called Samaria) longer than 4 generations and many only ruled for one, as individual after individual killed off the previous ruling generation. David would not lift his hand against the Lord's annointed despite Saul's evil. Israel would not stop lifting their hands against their authorities. The idols, the two calves, clinched Israel's destruction. It was a repeat of what happened when Moses went up the mountain to get God's law. Rebellion, without God's blessing and leading, is a terrible thing. We are all a rebellious people. We will ultimately destroy ourselves.

PRAYER: Father, I so look forward to the Millennial kingdom when you shall rule on earth. For once, there will be godly leadership in the land. For once, there will be true peace and a government that works. Open our eyes to our failure as a people. I pray you would draw people to yourself.