Monday, November 11, 2013

Hosea 12 - A Reprieve From Violence, Please?


Ephraim and Judah are in a bit of trouble with the LORD for stirring up trouble with others. According to Hosea:

"Ephraim feeds on the wind;
    he pursues the east wind all day
    and multiplies lies and violence.
He makes a treaty with Assyria
    and sends olive oil to Egypt." (Hosea 12:1 NIV)

Soap operas, drama queens, whatever, whoever... There are some, it seems, that just cannot live without stirring up trouble for others. For what reason, no one knows. Maybe they've watched too many soap operas and can't control the desire to create drama. They multiple lies and violence. They cause a lot of trouble for themselves as well as others. But, they don't seem to care. That's the way you play the game - hoping against hope that they will win the game - hoping against hope that they will come out looking like a star. How much life is wasted away contending with those who multiply lies (gossip) and violence rather than living life?

What does the prophet have to say about all of this?

"But Ephraim has aroused his bitter anger;
    his Lord will leave on him the guilt of his bloodshed
    and will repay him for his contempt." (Hosea 12:14)


May God grant all who are wrongly gossiped about, to the detriment of the church on earth, a reprieve from these vicious attacks. 

God's Peace - Pr. J

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