Hosea Chapter 8

Scripture Reading:  Read Hosea Chapter 8. 

A Syncretism Problem:

Hosea 8:12-13 – “I wrote for them the many things of my law, but they regarded them as something foreign.  Though they offer sacrifices as gifts to me, and though they eat the meat, the Lord is not pleased with them.  Now he will remember their wickedness and punish their sins: They will return to Egypt.”  (NIV) 

Have you ever tried to do two things at once and had it go terribly wrong? Not long ago, I saw a young man riding a bike with one hand on the bike and the other holding a cell phone with his eyes locked on the phone. Call me old-fashioned, but I just don’t think that’s going to work out very well for him!  In this case, riding a bike and perusing social media are at odds with each other; something will go wrong.   

Consider this: Have you ever been torn between two conflicting choices?  Israel was in a similar predicament, a problem of syncretism. They attempted to offer proper sacrifices to the Lord while simultaneously seeking help from pagan nations and worshiping idols made by human hands. The Lord brought judgment upon Israel for their continued pursuit of other gods; they would go back into slavery like in the days of Egypt. 

I think we still have a syncretism problem in the church today. Many worship the things of this world but sprinkle in a little Jesus on the side when it’s convenient.  But the Lord calls His people to have an undivided devotion to Him.  The Lord was gracious with Israel, calling her repeatedly to repentance.  Let us heed His voice, turning from idolatry and unbelief to devoted faith in the Lord Jesus.