Who is wise? Let them realize these things. Who is discerning? Let them understand. The ways of the LORD are right; the righteous walk in them, but the rebellious stumble in them. Hosea 13:14
200 years before the time of Hosea, the Ten Tribes of Israel seceded and established a second kingdom separate from Judah, then chose the Golden Calf as their god. The One True God sent Elijah, Elisha, Jonah, Amos, and finally Hosea to tell the people to put away their false god. The people, led by wicked kings refused and by the end, Israel added the worship of Baal to their Golden Calf. Israel was wiped off the face of the earth by the Assyrians. Notice Baal and the Golden Calf were worthless help before, during and after this calamity.
Wisdom is not aptitude. It is a choice! Discernment is wisdom in action. Israel reaped what it sowed. The great news is, their actions, while bringing judgement, did not cause God’s love to waver.
God’s love knows no end. You cannot make it go away! Read all of Hosea 14. Walk righteously or stumble continuously. God will reach down, but you’ve got to take the love extended, the trust and obey.
Love,
Gretchen