The Wading Pool

But I am the LORD your God

Can you relate?  I can.  God spoke the words above,  through the prophet Hosea, to His people Israel after she had been carried into captivity in Assyria.  Lest we think God unfair in this, consider His words in the previous chapter  where He reminds Israel of the ways in which He has warned her to turn from her idols back to Him.  (ch. 12, v. 10)  God did not move quickly into judgment against Israel, but His hand was forced after her repeated refusals to listen.  Over and over, the Lord cries for Israel to “return to the Lord your God.”  But she refused.

I can’t help but think of how my kids have this innate need to touch the stove, even after I’ve told them it’s hot.  Just like I did with my dad.  And he did with his dad.  We think we’ll be the ones that don’t get burned.  Wrong.

But I digress.  That’s not really what this post is about.  As I read those lines today, what hit me was how much it sounded like America today (or the West in general).  But let’s take it even closer than that.  Do the words above not convict you, dear reader?

Think of it.  Think of how (if you are a believer, saved by the blood of Jesus Christ and justified by Him) He sacrificed everything to save you.  Think of how He led you out of the bondage of sin, into the land of Promise, into a relationship with Him.  Think of how, in the hard times, He’s been with you, carrying and providing for your every need.  Think of it!

Now, think of a time, perhaps now, when things are good.  You’ve got a full fridge.  A nice job.  Nice house.  The cars run.  Your kids are safe.  Your lights are on.  Your ac works.

Do you remember?  Have you forgotten Him?  And don’t answer too quickly.  Think about it.  What are you really depending on?  What am I really depending on?  Am I trusting in Him, like I did when He first saved me?  Or am I trusting in my job? Wife? Family? Nation?  Is your heart so full of “stuff” that you’ve forgotten the One Who blessed you?

I know that I, being me, have to constantly watch this.  I can slip very quickly from worshipping the True God to worshipping the idol of self-security and comfort.

Lord, draw us back!  Help us wake up!  Bring us back to our first love!