Hosea 8:2 “They cry out to Me, ‘My God, we of Israel know You!’”
STRANGER
How many people do you know claim to know God, but their lifestyle is anything but godly? Now, I am NOT judging. I am simply stating an observation. There are a lot of people who believe in God and will even call on His name when they are in trouble. But as far as genuine commitment and surrender…well…let’s just say that’s a foreign concept.
Israel was the same way. They were saying, “But God, we are ISRAEL! We are Your chosen people.” God would have none of it. They had turned their backs on Him. They had rejected His laws. They had spurned His love. They had no REAL knowledge of Jehovah. Their faith was only a convenient religion.
TEACHING MOMENT
That is why it is so important that we teach our children that our faith is NOT about going to church. Our faith is NOT about doing something for God. Our faith is NOT about keeping certain rules and commands. Our faith is all about surrender. It’s about total abandonment to the Lord Jesus.
Gertrude and Elrod will obey most of the time, right? But every once in a while they get that wild hair and bow up at you. They get a rebellious spirit and want their way. When you correct them and hand out their consequences, make sure they realize their relationship with you is not based on what they do or don’t do to please you. They are your child because they have been birthed into your family. And make sure they understand the same is true with God’s family.
I don’t know about you, but sometimes I just blow it. I am thankful that the Lord God doesn’t toss me aside because I blew it. He welcomes me back into the fold as I confess and repent of my sin. He loves to see my surrender because then He can do something with me. When I give up, He can get in and work. As His child, I will ALWAYS be in His family.
A Moment In Time 