I will reject you from being My priest since you have forgotten the law of your God. Hosea 4:6b 

The book of Hosea brings a clear message to the priests of Hosea’s day as well as pastors across the ages. Teaching is their most important duty. Neglect brings consequences, not only to them personally, but to the people who look to them for instruction.  It’s tragic when the ones who should be receiving it, equipping them to put their marriages and families in order, are instead languishing for want of it. Where church families should overflow with radiant testimonies, there are awkward silences. 

I review the personal landscape of my life and see these dynamics. I grew up in the church, learned some basic doctrines (which I do appreciate), but consistent instruction was absent. Basic skills were never imparted. I never learned how to really experience a heart relationship with God. I didn’t even know what it was I didn’t know. I lived many barren years, my soul aching for what I couldn’t even define, and chalking it up to something being wrong with me. All the while, I was pretending that Christianity offered the abundant life. 

Are you being fed by the ‘priest’ in your life? Is the most important part of your church service, as exhibited by the time allotment, the teaching part?  When the Scriptures are opened, do you groan or are you on the edge of your seat?  Is the spiritual life of the one teaching contagious?  Do you leave your service wishing you could hear the sermon again? Does your spirit soar by the time you’re ready to leave? 

We must go where there is food, and we will know we have been fed when we leave feeling like we have indeed been to the banquet table.

Lead us to life-giving instruction.  And if we’re there, keep us on our knees for our teachers. In Jesus’ name, Amen