Thursday, December 11, 2014

HOSEA 9-11:

Hosea continues to speak on Israel's rebellion from God.  He tracks it all the way back to coming out of Egypt.  "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...they consecrated themselves to that shameful idol and became as vile as the thing they loved."(9:10)  The more success Israel had them more they turned from God. "Israel was a spreading vine; he brought forth fruit for himself.  As his fruit increased, he built more altars; as his land prospered, he adorned his sacred stones. Their heart is deceitful, and now they must bear their guilt."(10:1-2)

Hosea gets right to the source..."But you have planted wickedness, you have reaped evil, you have eaten the fruit of deception.  Because you have depended on your own strength..."(10:13)

REVELATION 1:

Written by John, son of Zebedee, around 90 A.D.  Generally accepted that it was during the reign of Domitian (A.D.81-96).  John as a prisoner on the island of Patmos is writing the the seven churches in the province of Asia.  He is writing of a vision he has received from God.      

When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead.  Then he placed his right hand on me and said: "Do not be afraid.  I am the First and the Last.  I am the Living One; I was dead, and behold I am alive for ever and ever!  And I hold the keys of death and Hades. Write, therefore what you have seen, what is now and what will take place later. (1:17-19)

JOURNAL:

Success breeds arrogance and rebellion.  That seems to be the summary of Israel.  The more blessings they received the more they came to depend on their own strength and worship the fruits of that success.  This seems to be the story that constantly plays out through the entire Bible.  God saves from terrible suffering and then the people get comfortable and forget God.  Then as I begin to read Revelation it is only in imprisonment and suffering that the vision of Revelation is written.  

Why is this?  Why do we run from God the more he blesses us?  Why does comfort seem to produce laziness and arrogance instead of gratitude and worship?  And yet I find that what I consistently crave and desire is comfort and success.  My only conclusion is that it is my desire to be independent from God.  It is my desire to have my own way, and not have to be obedient.

I in no way think that success is evil.  It is our hearts that are stained in selfishness and deceit.  Yet for some reason I think that I will be different.  I harbor this "noble" thought that "the more you bless me God, the more I will do...".  I think that is only possible if my desire is only in obedience and not the spoils of success.  Therefore, it is only a result of God transforming our desire to him.  This is tough, it is humbling, yet it does bring a calmness and peace.

"God loves you! So do I! Make it a great day!"