Hosea Chapter 5

Scripture Reading:  Read Hosea Chapter 5.  

False Hope:

Hosea 5:13 - "When Ephraim saw his sickness, and Judah his sores, then Ephraim turned to Assyria, and sent to the great king for help. But he is not able to cure you, not able to heal your sores." (NIV)

It's that time again—another election season. Yet again, it's shaping up to be a very divisive election, with many people hoping for "their candidate" to win and considering the other candidate an existential threat. I do think elections matter and that Christians should vote. However, I've become concerned by the political behavior of many believers; it seems that many Christians are placing their hope in a political candidate or party, which is concerning.  

Israel was wretchedly wicked. Chapter four reminds us of Israel's spiritual adultery and many sins. Interestingly, they turn to Assyria for help but do not receive the help they seek. Turning to Assyria is interesting because, in the not-too-distant future, Assyria is the deeply pagan nation that will conquer the Northern Kingdom of Israel and haul them off to exile. Israel was seeking help from the pagan Assyrians while completely neglecting the Lord.

The point is that if our hope is in anyone other than the Lord, we have a false hope. Today, I pray that we will see our sins and turn to the Lord for forgiveness, restoration, and direction. Political leaders and parties are not saviors; they're not even very good at governing a nation. Let us place our hope in Jesus and take our cues from Him alone.