"When I would have healed Israel, then the iniquity of Ephraim was uncovered, and the wickedness of Samaria. For they have committed fraud; a thief comes in; a band of robbers takes spoil outside. - Hosea 7:1
How sad that when healing, redemption, and restoration would have occurred for Israel, instead the depth of their sin was revealed. It was a pivotal juncture where the balance of justice could have swung either way.
True, humble repentance brings the impending train of judgment to a screeching halt and God's love, mercy, and forgiveness is released to cover a multitude of sin. It is truly the glory of God to conceal a matter (Prov. 25:2), yet now Israel’s sin is being revealed in detail. Why?
There is no place in the Kingdom for "saving face." To seek refuge behind a mask of pride and denial, when God is calling for sincere repentance, only ties God's hands from applying His mercy and saving grace. Sin is given its legal place by our consent and its consequences rush in by our choice. Rather than God removing our transgressions as far as the east is from the west... "They do not consider in their hearts that I remember all their wickedness; now their own deeds have surrounded them; they are before My face" (Hos. 7:2).
Here is the folly of it: Israel attempts to move on, choosing to reject and ignore God's way to be healed. They are not remorseful, they do not repent, nor return to their Savior. "Whoever seeks to save one's life will lose it, and whomsoever loses one's life will preserve it" (Luke 17:33). So, an endless cycle of sin and wickedness continues. The rest of Hosea chapter seven paints a vivid picture of the face they preferred to save. (If read in a modern version, the more archaic phrases become clearer, even graphic.) However, Israel still sets his face against honesty, truth, and rectitude:
And the pride of Israel testifies to his face, but they do not return to the Lord their God, nor seek Him for all this. – Hosea 7:10
What is the consideration for our own face value in these things? When we come right down to it, saving face or saving grace is a daily choice given us. As stated in 2 Cor 6:1-2, God pleads to not receive His grace in vain, but to respond in the accepted time, which is now, His day of saving - more than face, but our very souls!
- Elese
| Contact Us | To Previous Entry > |
