Hosea Chapter 13

Scripture Reading:  Read Hosea Chapter 13. 

Do you kiss your mother with that mouth?

Hosea 13:2 – “Now they sin more and more; they make idols for themselves from their silver, cleverly fashioned images, all of them the work of craftsmen. It is said of these people, “They offer human sacrifices! They kiss calf-idols!” (NIV)

Have you ever been confronted about your language, perhaps with the question: “Do you kiss your mother with that mouth?”  It’s a stark reminder of the power of our words, how they can be used for both blessings and curses.  Our words reflect our thoughts and hearts, revealing the truth within us.

Idol worship was one of the most significant issues for the people of God. They turned away from God to worship false gods, idols made by human hands.  At this point in the story, things had progressed enough that they had even begun kissing the idols in worship and offering human sacrifices. The people of God were kissing idols in place of worshiping the one true God, the God who delivered them.   

The human sacrifice part of this passage is probably not something you struggle with.  However, consider the problem of worshipping on Sunday and using that same voice for evil during the week.  Blessings and curses coming from the same mouth will not do.  For Israel, their “worship” was disgusting because they were kissing idols on the side.  What idols might you be kissing on the side?   

Prayer:  Lord, point out anything within me that is not pleasing to you.  Please help me to be fully allegiant to you and your way.