Confronting our Misplaced Priorities

Scripture Verses that caught my attention today—Hosea 4:12-13 and 5:15 My people consult a piece of wood,
and their divining rod gives them oracles.
For a spirit of whoredom has led them astray,
and they have played the whore, forsaking their God.
13 They sacrifice on the tops of the mountains,
and make offerings upon the hills,
under oak, poplar, and terebinth,
because their shade is good.

I will return again to my place
until they acknowledge their guilt and seek my face.
In their distress they will beg my favor:

Observation: It’s easy to allow ourselves to be deluded into thinking we can find hope where it cannot be found.

Application: I think most of us have allowed ourselves at one time or another to get overly focused on something that, while interesting or fun, couldn’t really provide long-term satisfaction. It might have been a tech gadget that we no-longer use or a vehicle that is now rusted out or even a relationship that has long since gone by the wayside.

Silly, isn’t it? But it’s human nature too. And as the verses above make clear, it’s not something new to our generation. That at least makes me feel a little better about myself! ☺

The good news is that God remains faithful in spite of our delusions, misplaced priorities, obsessive hoarding, compulsive desires and all the rest. We forsake our God on a regular basis, but our God does not forsake us. And, if we’re willing to hear the voice, sometimes it’s as if the Almighty is right there watching us in the midst of our delusions and gently asking, “so, how’s that working out for you?” And far from being sarcastic, they are actually gracious words of caring concern. Words that remind us (or at least me!) that there is in fact a better way—a way that is actually the truth and the life that we ultimately both seek and need.

God may occasionally return to God’s place, but only for a short time. Only until the people acknowledge their guilt, seek Gods face and beg God’s favor. Then it’s as if the Lord can’t wait to get back to us. Can’t wait to be among us. Can’t wait to show us a far better way.

Prayer: Lord, thanks for your steadfast love for your people, down through all the ages. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

(Scripture Readings today included: Hosea 2, 3, 4, 5 and Hebrews 2)