William and Debra were high school sweethearts who attended the same church. They had made a commitment to God and to each other at an early age. When they went to different colleges, they committed to be faithful to their relationship. While at college, Debra maintained her faithfulness to William by not dating anyone. She was committed to her love for him. William was at college on a basketball scholarship. He loved Debra, but he struggled to remain faithful to her. He knew that he planned to marry Debra so he didn’t think the “college days” really mattered. William always told himself, “Debra is my heart. I would never hurt her.” Nevertheless, William had many female admirers and did not remain faithful to Debra.
Finally, one Christmas, the year before they were to graduate, William proposed to Debra, who quickly accepted his proposal. Soon after their marriage, the couple decided they wanted to start a family. When they did not become pregnant immediately, Debra became concerned and made an appointment with her physician. One week later the doctor called her back for a follow-up appointment and requested that William come to the appointment with her. Once seated in the doctor’s office, the doctor said, “I have determined the reason why you have not conceived. Debra, you have a sexually transmitted disease that has caused some scaring and we need to treat immediately. William, I will need to check you as well.” Debra was speechless and almost fainted. William was shocked and at a loss for words. He realized that it was his past behavior that had caused this dilemma how could he tell Debra the truth about his unfaithfulness.
Hear the word of the LORD, ye children of Israel: for the LORD hath a controversy with the inhabitants of the land, because there is no truth, nor mercy, nor knowledge of God in the land. By swearing, and lying, and killing, and stealing, and committing adultery, they break out, and blood toucheth blood. Therefore shall the land mourn, and every one that dwelleth therein shall languish, with the beasts of the field, and with the fowls of heaven; yea, the fishes of the sea also shall be taken away. Yet let no man strive, nor reprove another: for thy people are as they that strive with the priest. (Hosea 4:1-4)
Hosea charged Israel with disobedience. The nation of Israel was suffering from moral and spiritual decay. God was not pleased that the religious leaders of Israel had not turned the people from idolatry.. Murder had occurred in Israel without much concern over its existence. The behavior of the Israelites and the corruption of their leaders resulted in ecological crisis and violence. Leaders are held accountable because they provide instruction. The religious leaders led the Israelites into idolatry and immorality. God blamed the religious leaders and held them accountable for their failure to lead. Let us pray for leaders who are faithful to God and a good example to those they lead.
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