No Punishment for Individuals

Scripture:
My people consult a piece of wood,
and their divining rod gives them oracles.
For a spirit of prostitution has led them astray,
and they have prostituted themselves, forsaking their God.
Hosea 4:12

Observation: Hosea is describing the actions of the unfaithful of Israel literally. They actually go and bow down in front of a wooden pole carved in the image of a goddess ashera, and speak to it. They go to trees growing on top of hills and seek wisdom. They look to wooden rods to perform actions and thus tell them how to act. It literally sounds crazy.

Yet it is not different than modern times. People today consult so many sources for guidance in their lives. While many times those sources take the form of other people, those people do not have definitive sources, but rather derive "understanding" from peculiar activities.

In the end, so few people consult with the living God, creator of heaven and earth, but instead would consult 'things' that have no wisdom or capabilities at all. It made no sense in Israel, and it makes no sense here and now.

Application: Where to begin in considering the lost concepts of our society? So many not only do these things, but firmly, adamantly, and even angrily defend their logic.

Hosea goes on to say (v13-19) that God reached a point where he wouldn't even punish these people, because they are so ignorant there is no way that punishment could correct them. He says to "leave them alone" and just let their ignorant behavior play out. Yes, he goes on to say he will destroy their entire nation because as a people-group they have forsaken him, yet he does not condone any action concerning individuals.

Is this our future? Will our communities, cities, nation, and society be destroyed, but in the meantime no action will or should be taken to address individual behavior? This makes sense, because the logical associated behavior of the Church would be to communicate the good news of Jesus to individuals and people groups, while ensuring we remain distinct and different from the culture of the society around us. And this is, indeed, the commission.

Prayer: Lord, it seems clear that our society is heading for a great reconning. May I simply obey you every day. Allow me the times and places and situations to offer others to opportunity to feel better about themselves and their lives, in the love of Jesus. Amen.