Faithful: A Study in HoseaSmakprov

What does it say? God would reject His people and turn from them, causing their roots to wither. What does it mean? Like Gomer, Israel’s unfaithfulness took her from blessing to poverty and privilege to humiliation. God’s people worshiped Baal as the provider of their plentiful harvest and numerous children when both were blessings from the Lord. Without God’s favor, there would be no grain to thresh, no grapes or olives to press, and no children to cherish. Just as Gomer ended up on the slave block, filthy and mistreated, Israel would be driven from the land that provided everything they needed, defiled before the Lord. Their unfaithfulness altered God’s tender affection toward Israel, yet His covenant commitment never changed. His rescue would eventually come, but not before they suffered horrific consequences. How should I respond? We can become so accustomed to God’s blessings that we lose sight of how His favor permeates our daily lives. Taking His provision for granted is the first step toward ingratitude and a wayward heart. When your relationship with Christ is unhindered, you recognize Him as the Giver of everything good (James 1:17). How might you have misdirected the credit for something God has done? What Christian privileges do you need to express gratitude for today (Eph. 1:4-14)? Start a list of God’s blessings to keep in your Bible. Take time to thank the Lord as you add to it regularly. Gratitude produces a proper perspective and a faithful heart.