S (Scripture) – Hosea 7:6-10 “For their hearts are like an oven as they approach their plotting; their anger smolders all night, in the morning it burns like a flaming fire. All of them are hot like an oven, and they consume their rulers; all their kings have fallen. None of them calls on Me. Ephraim mixes himself with the nations; Ephraim has become a cake not turned. Strangers devour his strength, yet he does not know it; gray hairs also are sprinkled on him, yet he does not know it. Though the pride of Israel testifies against him, yet they have not returned to the LORD their God, nor have they sought Him, for all this.”
O (Observation) – Lord, I see You clearly trying to warn us about what can happen to a nation when we forget about You, place our trust in surrounding nations, and seek to do this life our way and apart from You. We become angry. Israel had become a nation that was integrating itself with these other nations in ways that were political, cultural, and religious. The nation’s leadership had compromised itself repeatedly over the years; this didn’t happen overnight – just like gray hairs. Instead of preserving the cultural uniqueness and devotion to You, security was found elsewhere. Little did they realize that the nations that they trusted in were actually consuming them one bite at a time – both their wealth as well as their cultural identity. “When Israel’s trust remained in their diplomacy, it was impossible for the nation to trust God and repent (Moody Bible Commentary).”
A (Application) – It’s fascinating and terrifying to see how different our country has become over the last 200+ years. We are constantly hearing the verbiage of “separation of church and state” while at the same time being blasted with messages of tolerance for alternative lifestyles with which we may disagree. In our age of political correctness, we have allowed an environment to brew that forbids sharing the truth of God’s word, in love. Please note the “in love” portion of that sentence. Instead of recognizing that our certain “inalienable rights” are “endowed, by their Creator,” we, as a nation, have chosen to ignore this Creator. Just like the nation of Israel chose to walk away from Him over time, so have we. Israel’s history of being dominated by another nation and taken into captivity has shown what happens when the Lord is abandoned. Our nation is at a crossroads – where we will be 100 years from now based on the decisions our leaders and families have made over the last 100 years? The leadership of a nation is critical, but the nation is made up of people, families, neighborhoods, cities, and states. We all are part of this nation, and it is up to each individual to “return to the LORD their God” and to seek Him. When will we learn that harboring anger in our hearts against God and depending on earthly powers for security in place of Him is foolish? I say to my own children, “The sooner you learn to just trust me, life will be much easier for you.” God is saying the same thing to us today.
P (Prayer) – Heavenly Father, You are trustworthy. This life will have tragedies – even Your most devoted followers aren’t immune from illness, accident, or malice. We live in a sin-soaked world where the choices of others are harmful. Thankfully, this life is only the beginning of our existence, and the rest of eternity can be spent with You in a place where You “will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain…(Revelation 21:4)” Until then, may we learn to depend on You alone for all of our needs. Paul reminds us in Philippians 4:19, “And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”
Suzi M. Moreland 