Hosea 5:4 “Their deeds do not permit them to return to their God. A spirit of prostitution is in their heart; they do not acknowledge the Lord.
Matthew 6:24 comes to mind as I read Hosea 5 today: “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other….” Israel is arrogant, prideful. They have a spirit of prostitution, of using their talents in unworthy or corrupt ways. They are so full of themselves that they have turned from God toward man and idols.
Hosea 5:5 Israel’s arrogance testifies against them; the Israelites, even Ephraim, stumble in their sin; Judah also stumbles with them.
Jeremiah 29:13 also comes to mind: “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” The Israelites are so full of themselves that their attempts to seek God are halfhearted. They aren’t really looking for Him. They want to look good. God doesn’t care about appearances. He wants our hearts. He has no use for pride and arrogance. He cannot be found with apathy.
Hosea 5:6 When they go with their flocks and herds to seek the Lord, they will not find him; he has withdrawn himself from them.
Lord, I stand before You humbled this morning. I have been arrogant and prideful. I have used my God-given talents in unworthy ways. I have called out to You for appearance sake. Forgive me. Renew me. Cleanse me. Empty me of myself so that I can be filled with Your love, compassion, mercy, and grace. Help me, Lord. Amen.
Hosea 5:15 Then I will return to my lair until they have borne their guilt and seek my face—in their misery they will earnestly seek me.”
Have a blessed day.