Desperate Cries or Exaltation

Scripture:
My people are bent on backsliding from Me.
Though they call to the Most High,
None at all exalt Him.
Hosea 11:7

Observation: As the prophet continues to declare the Lord's justice against the northern kingdom, he makes this distinction ... calling out to the Lord for help is NOT the same as placing your love and faith in the Lord.

Israel has placed golden calves on high places, worshipped gods of human design, and lamented (or will lament) as these idols are stolen away. Turning to Yahweh at this desperate hour is then not a reflection of faith in the Lord, but rather just one of the litany of things they are trying to avoid judgment. God isn't falling for it. He know their hearts aren't in it, and this action is about savings themselves.

Application: So very many people are looking to God for help, especially now. While God may intercede, he also knows whom among us are doing this out of desperation, and who is doing it by faith.

Desperation in itself isn't bad ... it is a way for some to discover God's mercy and love, and therefore to turn to him. The case of Israel was compounded by other beliefs, where the Lord was just of many things they believed in. The case in the US as a nation may be equally compounded, as turning to the Lord may be just one of the options, along with our "own" resources, wisdom, intelligence, and growing love for earthly concepts.

As for me and my house, we exalt the Lord, and know he will care for us out of that relationship. We also know that his care may or may not "save" us from certain perils and hardships. The Lord sees us, and provides for us, not just because we call to him, but because we sing to him, we contemplate upon his word, we seek his will, and when failing we ask forgiveness by his son.

Prayer: Lord, I do call to you, but my primary prayer is that your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. There are many who will call to you now, Lord, out of desperation. I pray for them, so that by receiving your mercy they may change their hearts and seek you, turning from those who cry to those who exalt. May this be a time of harvest, and not of burning, in the great name and love of Jesus. Amen.