As one’s successes or breakthroughs increase, there’s a risk of complacency and neglect of spiritual disciplines and relationships with God. This was the case with the people of Israel. Their prosperity led to a surge in idolatry and worship of Baal.
Inadvertently, they were paving the way
for judgment. Their faith waned, and they were burdened with guilt. The Lord would be dismantling their religious
altars and paraphernalia.
With arrogance, they brazenly ignored God declaring, “We have no king, for we do not revere the Lord. As for the king, what can he do for us?” This attitude had sealed their fate. All, including their king and the golden calf they worshipped, would be seized and taken to Assyria. Their land would be reduced to a wasteland, and the altars of Baal would be overrun with weeds.
Since the day of Gibeah, their sins have persisted. What transpired at Gibeah? It was a dark day in the tribe of Benjamin, marked by the infamous rape and murder of the Levite’s concubine, and the ensuing chaos that engulfed the region (Judges 19-21).
From these verses, we sense a call to guard our relationship with God diligently. Success can cause us to neglect our walk with God and take Him for granted. Like Hosea’s audience, our successes can cause us to be so caught up in our “idolatry” such as our careers, earthly relationships, material possessions, and neglect of our faith.
We must be mindful to stay grounded in our devotion and maintain a close relationship with God, regardless of our circumstances. Never let our spiritual well-being be contingent on our material successes. Be sure to always prioritize our spiritual growth and connection with God.
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