Tuesday
READ: Hosea 1:2, 1 Kings 15:33-16:7, 1 Kings 16:23-34
SOAP: 1 Kings 16:26
For he walked in all the way of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, and in the sins that he made Israel to sin, provoking the Lord, the God of Israel, to anger by their idols. – 1 Kings 16:26
The Lord said to Hosea, “Go, take to yourself a wife of whoredom and have children of whoredom.” Wait. What? He had to marry a what? A prostitute? That´s a strange command. I can´t imagine what went through Hosea´s head when he heard what God was asking him to do.
This adulterous marriage was a vivid illustration of how Israel had forsaken and rejected the Lord. We see king after king in Israel “walking in the sins of Jeroboam,” men who not only did evil things in the sight of the Lord but who did more evil than other kings who were before them.
In 1 Timothy 2, Paul urges the young Timothy to pray for all people, but especially for kings and all who are in high positions. Paul knew how important it is to pray continually for those in power. Are you complaining about those who govern in your country, your state, or your city? Pray for them! Pray that “we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. “ (2 Timothy 2:2)
Dear God, help me remember to pray for my authorities. Don´t allow me to fill my heart with unhealthy complaints. Help me pray for them always, so they can know You and live a life worthy of You. Amen.