Warning

    The book of Hosea is a good example of how God outlines the offenses of people before giving them a warning to change.  It is fair and personalized.  We can't say that we aren't given a chance.  We have sinned, but God is giving us time to change and ask for forgiveness.  If we do, then He forgets the offense.  If we do not, then we will face the consequences just like Israel and Judah.

    Israel was charged with no faithful love or acknowledging the truth of God.  They had thrown away all their chances of knowing Him and His standards.  This generation was the worst of the worst.  Cursing, lying, murder, stealing, and adultery were a part of life.  It was so bad that the land mourned because it was wasting away.  

    God's people rejected the knowledge that was available to them.  They ignored God's laws.  The priest worked for their own glory instead of for God.  The prophets were silent.  God could not allow the people to continue to forget about Him.  The people had a distorted perspective on who God is.  It seemed like no one cared enough to Know God anymore.

    God could not allow the priest and government of Israel bring Judah down too.  They brought disgrace upon themselves and the people.  They forfeit their right to call themselves God's people.  

    Promiscuity, intoxication, and money are not the ways to find what the soul is looking for.  It will not provide understanding.  Without discernment we are all doomed.  We have all been warned.  To face the warning is up to you.

Hosea 4