Lack of Knowledge

Today’s Bible Reading:  Hosea 2-5; Hebrews 2

Journal Entry on a passage from today’s reading:

Topic: Knowledge of God

SCRIPTURE:  Hosea 4:6 & 14

My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.

Because you have rejected knowledge,

I also will reject you from being priest for Me;

Because you have forgotten the law of your God,

I also will forget your children. (Hos 4:6 NKJV)

…a people without understanding will come to ruin! (Hos 4:14 NIV)

OBSERVATION:

The lack of knowledge referred to here is a knowledge of God…

Hear the word of the Lord,

You children of Israel,

For the Lord brings a charge against the inhabitants of the land:

"There is no truth or mercy

Or knowledge of God in the land. (Hos 4:1 NKJV)

The indictment against the children of Israel and particularly those serving as priests is not just that they are ignorant of God’s Law, but that they neither acknowledge it nor abide by it. The greatest charge rests against the priests who have turned from God’s truth toward idolatry and lead the people astray. Indeed, in verse 14 the daughters who turn to prostitution and the wives who commit adultery are not held accountable. It is the priests who engage with prostitutes as a part of idolatrous worship and lead others into this debauchery that bear the brunt of God’s wrath. The result of this lack of understanding—this rejection of God—is ruination.   

APPLICATION:

As a minister today, I need to carefully strike the balance between the two extremes of legalism and permissiveness. Christian ministers need to lead people to an understanding of God and His ways, and the natural consequences that will follow a rejection of God. At the same time, people need to understand God’s unconditional love and grace. God wants His children to live good, holy lives; not by adhering to a list of don’ts and dos, but because we love and serve Him. It is not punitive action on God’s part that leads to ruination, it is our choices that lead to blessings or destruction. 

PRAYER:

Lord, grant unto me wisdom by Your Holy Spirit to teach and lead Your people to know You. My job is not to lead people in how to live their lives, but to lead them to You so You may lead them in how to conduct themselves. Through Christ. Amen.  -AP