Hosea 4:17
”Ephraim is joined to idols; Let him alone.”
How tragic it is when God says of a people, “Just let them alone.” Ephraim, the Northern Kingdom, had become stubborn, fascinated with idols and joined to them in worship – refusing God’s love and protection despite His warning that, "My Spirit will not always strive with man" (Genesis 6:3).
This scripture reminds us, there is a line we can cross over and go beyond the limits of God’s grace and protection. Then like Israel, we will be left to the consequences of our own choices and God will not hear our cries from heaven.
Lord, help us that we might learn from history and from the evil of Israel in forsaking You; in allowing other interests, other loves to exceed their love for You. Oh God, keep our hearts pure that we might serve You and worship and follow You. Amen.
The Truth
“If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14)
