Willful Ignorance Smarts

Text: Hosea 4:1-13 Theme: Destroyed from lack of Godly knowledge Key verses: “There is no faithfulness, no love, no acknowledgement of God in the land.” (v. 1b) “Because of this the land mourns, and all who live in it waste away; the beasts of the field and the birds…and the fish…are dying.” (v. 3) “But let no man bring a charge, let no man accuse another…” (v. 4) “My people are destroyed from lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I also reject you as my priests; because you have ignored the law of your God, I also will ignore your children.” (v. 6) “…the priests…exchanged their Glory for something disgraceful.” (v. 7) “Like people, like priests. I will punish both of them for their ways…They will eat but not have enough…because they have deserted the Lord to give themselves to prostitution, to old wine and new which take away the understanding of my people. They consult a wooden idol and are answered by a stick of wood. A spirit of prostitution leads them astray.” (v. 9-12) What God said to me: Dwayne, ignorance of my ways and my laws is unnecessary and inexcusable. Furthermore, it is destructive and dangerous. I have provided clear guidelines of what I expect. It is your responsibility as my representatives and as my people to search out and discover what those directives and precepts are. Yet, so few of those who claim they know me take seriously what my Word says. They don’t discipline themselves to learn what is holy and just and wise. Then, even what they know to be right and true, they often ignore and reject – to thier ultimate demise. Wine, lust, adultery, idolatry – all these will lead your heart away from me, clouding your discernment of right and wrong and dulling your sensitivity to what pleases me. At the same time, your family, your children, your world will also suffer and erode around you. What I said to God: Holy One of Israel, Eternal and True God, I cannot fathom your anquish as you watch your people destroy themselves out of rebellious and lazy ignorance. Forgive me for the many days I too have been rebellious and lazy, not wanting to do and thus not doing my Bible study and quiet times with you. May my wife and my children seek after you, hungry to know you more. May our church desparately search your Word for direction and wisdom. Restore us again to hunger and thirst after righteousness.