MALNUTRITION: THE DISTORTION OF GOD'S BLESSING

1 Ephraim feeds on the wind
    and pursues the east wind all day long;
they multiply falsehood and violence;
    they make a covenant with Assyria,
    and oil is carried to Egypt.

The LORD's Indictment of Israel and Judah

2 The LORD has an indictment against Judah
    and will punish Jacob according to his ways;
    he will repay him according to his deeds.
3 In the womb he took his brother by the heel,
    and in his manhood he strove with God.
4 He strove with the angel and prevailed;
    he wept and sought his favor.
He met God^{1

12:4
Hebrew him} at Bethel,
    and there God spoke with us—
5 the LORD, the God of hosts,
    the LORD is his memorial name:
6 “So you, by the help of your God, return,
    hold fast to love and justice,
    and wait continually for your God.”

7 A merchant, in whose hands are false balances,
    he loves to oppress.
8 Ephraim has said, “Ah, but I am rich;
    I have found wealth for myself;
in all my labors they cannot find in me iniquity or sin.”
9 I am the LORD your God
    from the land of Egypt;
I will again make you dwell in tents,
    as in the days of the appointed feast.

10 I spoke to the prophets;
    it was I who multiplied visions,
    and through the prophets gave parables.
11 If there is iniquity in Gilead,
    they shall surely come to nothing:
in Gilgal they sacrifice bulls;
    their altars also are like stone heaps
    on the furrows of the field.
12 Jacob fled to the land of Aram;
    there Israel served for a wife,
    and for a wife he guarded sheep.
13 By a prophet the LORD brought Israel up from Egypt,
    and by a prophet he was guarded.
14 Ephraim has given bitter provocation;
    so his Lord will leave his bloodguilt on him
    and will repay him for his disgraceful deeds.

Footnotes

[1] 12:4 Hebrew him

In the first few verses of chapter 12, Hosea rebukes Israel (Ephraim) for pursing the wind. The imagery, like many Old Testament passages, is beautifully poetic. The nation's daily diet involved the act of feeding on the wind. Obviously, the nation's diet had proved to be malnutritious, but rather than seeking something more nourishing, they continued in pursuit of their cravings. The result: Futility.

In verses 3-6, Hosea compares Israel's pursuit of the wind with Jacob, a man who from birth fought to obtain God's blessing. Hosea sought to redirect the nation from chasing the wind to waiting on the Lord as Jacob had to learn to do. Israel was involved in dishonest gain internally just as Jacob had been. Hosea clarifies in verses 7-11 that they should not let pride overcome them. Again, Hosea pointed to Jacob in verses 12-14, a man who learned humility by becoming a servant and shepherding sheep to earn his wife.

Hosea concluded chapter 12 with the example of Moses who led Israel out of Egypt (verse 13), and a reminder of Israel's humble beginnings to which God could return them at any time (verse 14). Hosea called Israel to remember her humble origins. He called on Israel to live out a righteousness that reflected the righteousness of God.

I did not realize that my childhood cravings for FruitStripe® gum would foreshadow so many of my malnutritious cravings later in life. So often, I assume God's blessing is demonstrated through material junk food (pay raises, new electronics, vacations, and the like). I so often neglect and distort the truth that God's blessing rests on those who follow His example and serve others. Like the Israelites, I have to learn to stop craving things that do not last and start stooping in humble service like Christ.

Imitate Christ, be righteous, be a servant!

1. What are you chasing? Will it last?

2. Does your lifestyle demonstrate that being a servant is greater than being wealthy?

3. In what ways can you stoop and serve others this week?

WEEKLY FAMILY ACTIVITY

HOSEA 8-12 (SEPTEMBER 26-30)

Read Hosea 10:11-13.

God's Way or My Way?

Ask your children which they think is better: God's way or their way?

Reread Hosea 10:12-13.

Fold a piece of paper in half. On the top of the left half, write, "God's way." On the other half, write: "Our way." On the left side, write the four things that verse 12 says are following after God. On the right side record from verse 13 what happens when we do it our way.

Look at the differences, and talk about which one is better and why.

ACTIVITY: Hand your children a potato and tell them to make it grow. Give them a little time to try to figure out how to grow it. Then go to http://www.ehow.com/how_6239373_grow-potato-water-science-project.html to find out how to root the potato to grow it in the "right way," the way that will actually work.

God is our "expert" on life. We must seek Him and trust Him to do it "His way," which is the right way.