A DIVINE LAWSUIT

Listen to the word of the Lord, O sons of Israel, for the Lord has a case against the inhabitants of the land.  Hosea 4:1

            These had to be shocking words to Hosea, and ultimately, to the people of Israel.  God had a case against them.  “Case” is a legal term meaning “lawsuit”.  Think of it, God was the plaintiff.  Israel, the defendant.  Jehovah vs. Israel.  If I had been a Jew during that time, and if I’d seen such a charge written up on legal stationery, I would have fainted on the spot.  To have a lawsuit brought against you by God would be the most frightening of all life’s experiences. 

            It’s shocking to understand that even these words did not penetrate the arrogance of God’s people.  They still defended themselves against His charges.  Their respect for the person of God had completely deteriorated.

            It’s like that today in our world.  Christianity is scoffed at.  The Word of God is handled casually.  I’m embarrassed to admit that there have even been periods in my life when I treated the Words of His mouth in a far too offhanded way.  To hear the Word of the Lord and fail to react with humility and obedience is to hear God’s case against me, shrug my shoulders, and think it’s no big deal.

            Tomorrow, the specifics of the charge will be discussed.  Until then, may I be aware that I am also not exempt from any of God’s law.  His standard of righteousness has not changed from the beginning of time.  That connects me with my spiritual ancestors.  The good thing is ~ I can learn from their mistakes.  They often scoffed at His instruction, went their own way, and paid a deep price.  I can review their story and make sure I don’t follow their example.  When the Word of God speaks, I vow to listen, then act upon it without question.

Make history come alive for me, Lord.  I want to learn to walk wisely by learning from those who made mistakes and those who walked by faith.  Amen