Monday
READ: Hosea 2:2-13, Deuteronomy 30:19-20
SOAP: Deuteronomy 30:19-20
For further reading: Deuteronomy 30:11-20
I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Therefore choose life, that you and your offspring may live, 20 loving the Lord your God, obeying his voice and holding fast to him, for he is your life and length of days, that you may dwell in the land that the Lord swore to your fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give them.”- Deuteronomy 30:19-20
God paints Israel as an adulterous wife who is no longer worthy to be compared to a wife. The relationship was dramatically broken. Israel offered herself to other gods in the way that an adulterous woman offers herself to lovers.
God warns Israel that, if she does not stop her harlot-like ways, judgment will come. Though the relationship was broken, blessing continued by God´s mercy – but it would be taken away if Israel did not turn to God. Even when Israel went after other gods, the Lord still provided for her, still loved her.
As Israel was tempted to forsake God for idols, we are tempted to turn to a world that hates God and wants nothing to do with Him. We need to be very careful and make wise choices. Before us, there is life and death, blessing and curse (Deuteronomy 30:19). What will we choose? Whom will we love the most? God or the world? Each believer must fight to remain true to Jesus Christ until He returns to take His bride to the heavenly wedding. To do so, we have to obey God in everything we do.
Dear Father, help me know You and love You more every day. Please help me resist the temptation to turn to the world instead of turning to You. Help me choose wisely in every aspect of my life. Amen.