READ HOSEA 4
GO DEEPER
Many parents are familiar with the feeling of anxiety that comes when they wonder how their child's behavior in public will reflect upon them. It is common to witness a child having a tantrum at the grocery store and silently judge the parent for what seems to be poor parenting skills. Despite thinking that the child should know better, they have somehow learned from their parents that acting out is acceptable.
In the book of Hosea, we see a similar, albeit divine, perspective from God regarding the decline of Israel. While the people are described as faithless, loveless, adulterous, and murderous (verses 1-3), God emphasizes that the issue lies with the priests (verse 4). He asserts that the people perish due to a lack of knowledge as they have rejected understanding. The stinging words of the prophet must be heard, My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, . . . According to Hosea, if the world lacks God, it is because the priests have failed to lead people towards Him, to obey Him, and to urge others to do the same. Reflecting on this historical account, we can understand the Levites' failure to guide the Israelites towards God. Yet, it is more challenging to accept that as the royal priesthood in the New Testament church, we are called by God to be the agents of holiness in the world (see 1 Peter 2:9).
As we observe the increasing godlessness, moral decay, and self-centeredness in society, God places the responsibility on us. This may be offensive to some, especially if they have been striving to share Christ's message with others. However, since we possess the truth, we are accountable for spreading it. Instead of feeling guilty, we should be open to conviction. Paul reminds us that passing judgment on others condemns ourselves, as we are also prone to the same shortcomings. The Apostle Paul writes, Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things. (see Romans 2:1).
The real challenge is not about changing the world's behavior but about aligning ourselves with the Spirit's holy convictions. The state of the world is more a reflection of those who know God but fail to live according to that truth, rather than solely blaming the godless individuals.
QUESTIONS
1. As we observe the shattered state of the world, what traits are predominantly influenced by the active influence of evil rather than the dormant influence of a godly church?
2. While consuming news, how frequently do you find yourself criticizing "those individuals" instead of reflecting on where you may be "fumbled the football" of life?
3. Can you outline three concrete methods through which you can embrace truth, yield to the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and have faith in the potential for transformation in individuals you perceive as adversaries, whether in politics or beyond?