By Pastor Jason Lim
Idolatry is grievous. It is spiritual whoredom. It is committing adultery against God. God lays this charge upon the nation of Israel during Hosea's days:
Their Faithlessness
Though Israel is outwardly known as the people of God, they do not keep faith with God. They do not love Him. They are not loyal towards Him. They do not really know Him. And because they are faithless, the land will be fruitless. There will be weakness and lack in the land. All who live in it suffer.God also reveals that the blame is also laid squarely on the shoulders of the priests. They are to teach people God's Word and God. But instead of being a blessing, they exploit the priesthood for personal greed. And because the priests reject the knowledge of God, the people will perish for the lack of knowledge.
2. Their Fickleness
Faithlessness is "They do not love me." Fickleness is "They love everyone else but me."The people of God sought help from sticks and pieces of wood. They worship idols in high places.If faithlessness leads to fruitlessness, then their spiritual whoredom will result in whoredom amongst their children.They can only expect shame and punishment for their adultery.The book of Hosea was written as a gift of mercy. Yes, it has strong words for the sinner. But it is all out of love. It is written so that people can be confronted about their rebellion, so that they can then be called to repentance, and finally find comfort in the redemption. May you see the "Hesed" or loyal love of God, and seek & find the Lord today.
