“Israel is a luxuriant vine that yields its fruit. The more his fruit increased, the more altars he built; as his country improved, he improved his pillars. Their hearts are false; now they must bear their guilt. The Lord will break down their altars and destroy their pillars.” (Hosea 10:1-2)
Two conditions stand out. First, “The more his fruit increased, the more altars he built.” Success – accumulation of wealth – was a false barometer of well-being for Israel. The accumulation of wealth was also the means for idolatry. I wonder if they didn’t realize they were moving away from the Lord into idolatry, or if they simply didn’t care?
Second, “Their heart is false; now they must bear their guilt.” This so closely matches what Jesus said, I can’t stop connecting the two:
“On that day, many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’” (Matthew 7:22-23)
In both cases, there was a false belief that led to judgment. This should cause me to soberly evaluate my own faith to see if it is genuine. Clearly, business success and apparent miracles are not indicators of the Lord’s approval.
Father, please help me to soberly and correctly evaluate my faith to be certain that I am truly walking in the faith. Please help me to trust in Christ alone, and nothing of me. Amen.
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