Here’s Looking at You, Priests

Text: Hosea 5:1-5 Theme: Spiritual leaders have the highest responsibility and accountability Key verses: Hear this, you priests! Pay attention, you Israelites! Listen, O royal house! This judgement is against you. You have been a snare… (v. 1) I will discipline all of them. (v. 2) …Israel is corrupt. (v. 3b) What God said to me: Dwayne, my son, you are also, “Dwayne, my chosen.” But be careful not to rest on your laurels. I have called and equiped you to be a spiritual leader among my people. Therefore, you have a huge stewardship to fill. I didn’t let the Israelite priests off the hook simply because they bore my name and worked in my temple. Fact actually is, I held them to a higher standard because they bore my name and ministered in my house. They had tremendous opportunity to influence my people – and thus the world; yet, they squandered their chance. Either by laziness and apathy or by rebellion, they led the Israelites away from me. They became a snare, a stumbling block, a disgusting hindrance to those I love. Listen, Dwayne. Pay attention. If you act irresponsibly I will pass a similar judgement on you. What I said to God: Wow, God, my first reaction is, “So much for that ‘God is love’ stuff…” But then, you remind me in this quiet moment that this is but more proof of your unending love and mercy. You’re warning me now. You’re giving me a heads up of what could happen if I don’t stay in spiritual shape. You’re clearly committed to helping me stand and still be standing even after “having done all.” Furthermore, you obviously adore your children. You sent you Son to die for them, and you’re not about to sit back and ignore anyone who would lead them – either maliciously or ignorantly – down a path to destruction. Thank you, dear Father, holy God. I adore you for your holiness and might. I thank you for your mercy and protection.