DILIGENT AND DELICIOUS

 

Scripture:

Hosea 9:10—“ When I found Israel it was like finding grapes in the desert; when I saw your fathers it was like seeing the early fruit on the fig tree.  But when they came to Baal Peor, they consecrated themselves to that shameful idol and became as vile as the thing they loved.”

 

Observation:

A: Blessings. The exodus of Israel from Egypt was a unique covenant relationship with God . Enslaved for 400 years, and having no possessions at all, they were rescued by a compassionate God. They lacked nothing in the desert for 40 years as they were prepared for “the promised land.”  God gave them leadership, the Law and the promises of abundant blessings. (The curses were also recorded.) They chose Him, of course! They tasted the delicacies on entry to their new land and it was good.

B: Curses.  Other nations in Gods’ Law were unholy; through intermarriages, and consecration to idol worship of foreign gods, Israel gradually rejected worship to Creator God. They engaged in evil, contrary to the Law, being oblivious to the imminent judgment of God for their sin.

 

 

Application:

It seems a long time ago when God rescued me from my desert where there were no provision or promise. The excitement of salvation, abundant living, eternity all seemed far away from my course. That was the promise of Jesus. It was difficult to accept it all, but the truth of the word and infilling of Holy Spirit a few months later was only the start of my covenant relationship with my new heavenly Father. Jesus was right; I had a future and purpose for my life, and it was eternal. The hunger for truth motivated me to change to His ways, but it was line upon line, precept upon precept. No quick fix for me!

 

Prayer:

 Father, only You know of my gratitude for Your grace when Jesus saved my life and I began a covenant relationship with You, fully paid up, and cleansed in His blood, and Spirit-filled. My focus is to be diligent in seeking your ways and truths, so grant me the ability to be Holy Spirit wise and discern schemes that are set against me to bring me to dishonouring You. My heart enjoys the delicacies of life that You provide for me, so help keep my heart diligent to your presence in my life.

 

 

 

Ps Lyal Bognuda