So Ephraim has become like a silly dove, without sense; they call to Egypt, they go to Assyria. When they go, I will spread My net over them; I will bring them down like the birds of the sky. I will chastise them in accordance with the proclamation to their assembly. Hosea 7:11-12 

When Hosea writes, he is generous with word pictures. He suggests that God’s people have become frantic, like birds without direction. They fly here and there for the a counterfeit nest that will give them a sense of wellbeing. They actually believe that their wanderings can escape God’s notice. They reason that if they turn a blind eye to God, God must turn a blind eye to them. God is clear about this falsehood. He is going to spread His net over them. He reminds them, through the mouth of Hosea, that they will be disciplined. 

Why is it that we are tempted to fly to Egypt? When we are without direction, you’d think that we would seek God first. Yet, we go back to what we once knew. The ways of Egypt of are so ingrained in our fallen nature that we go there by default. It feels comfortable, even though our spirit warns us that we’re going the wrong way. 

It would be wrong to keep this devotional broad so as not to make the point clear. So allow me to personalize it. When pressures come, I can feel frantic for relief. And since temptation always starts with a need, the enemy comes with suggestions for quick ways out of pain. He tempts me to think the way I used to think, indulge in activities that used to be narcotics in my old way of life. He would want to lead me away from God, toward swift fixes. The problem is, I know too much. It’s not the past.  I have a lot of Scripture in me. I’ve been well fed, and I know better. 

Today, Egypt will glitter in the distance. When I feel the battle in my thought life, I will be tempted to visit a landscape I have no business entering. Disbelief, anger, revenge, hopelessness – all these beckon me. Let me be as a bird with clear direction and fly North. True North. 

I fly to You, Lord, for You wait to receive me. Egypt does not compare with the pleasures at Your right hand. You are worth all sacrifices I have to make. Amen