Hosea 4:6 “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children.”
What You Don’t Know Can Hurt You
As you may know, my family and I do a lot of traveling in a year. Most of the time, we take our “home” with us by pulling a fifth-wheel trailer behind us. Recently, while staying in our trailer, I woke up in the middle of the night and needed some fresh air. Sleepily, I reached up and slid open the window by my bed and then drifted off to sleep.
The next morning, I noticed a bloody cut on my index finger that was causing noticeable pain. I had no idea what I had done! Then I vaguely remembered messing with that window in the middle of the night. Evidently I had a very sharp problem on that window!
The truth is, no one enjoys pain. I don’t like toothaches, body aches, or broken bones because I don’t like pain. Pain is not always the problem; pain is designed to point you to the problem. The worst place to be is in a dreadful condition but not know it because there is no warning mechanism. The worst problems are the ones that pose as answers!
The people God addressed in Hosea were looking to idols to answer their problems. The idols weren’t the answer; the idols were the problem! The pain that Israel suffered was not the problem; the pain was sent and allowed by God to point people to their need and God’s answer. God said of them, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee. . . .” What they did not know did, in fact, hurt them!
The worst thing that can happen to you is to think you are fine, yet be living in lack of God Almighty. God allowed pain in Hosea’s day in order for His people to realize their problem. You cannot find contentment while forgetting the One who gives it. God designed you, He made you, and He provides for you. He provides both provision and pain so that you will look to Him.
Camp Quote:
“Pride is often offensive to everyone except the person who owns it.” -Evangelist Bill Rice III
Prayer Requests:
1. Staff orientation week training continues this week
2. Health, safety, and protection for staff this summer