Read Hosea 4:1-19.

When the clergy in Israel increased in number, tragically, wickedness increased, apostasy multiplied, disbelief swelled, and God’s people were led astray (see Hosea 4:7). Similarly, though our nation is filled with Christian leadership, it yet grows in apostasy.  

Pastors who once thundered the Gospel of Jesus Christ from their pulpits today whimper about their doubts regarding Scripture and embrace “alternative lifestyles.” Leaders who once sought God’s approval above all else now do whatever it takes to gain worldly approval.

But in Christ we can experience a hope that will never disappoint. And He gives us a glorious purpose.

The New Testament reveals that through Christ, all believers have become priests of His Kingdom (see 1 Peter 2:5). We must contend for the faith and point others to the hope of the Gospel. That means fathers, as leaders of the family, should be the priests of their homes. They must lead by example, teach God’s Truth, and intercede on behalf of those they serve.

When the priests in Hosea’s day neglected their responsibility, society fell apart. Likewise, when God’s people cease to lead, the people ultimately follow the enemy of God. When the shepherds fail to protect, the flock suffers. And when the priests in the home do not take their spiritual responsibility seriously, the children will be lost.

Now, the people of Israel didn’t turn their backs on God outright. They were far too polite for that. They went to the temple on Saturday morning and paid lip service to the Almighty—and the rest of the week they worshiped the idol Baal. Idolatry is not just bowing before a statue. Idolatry is something that can exist in the heart of a believer. It is deeply religious. The word idol means a carved image or statue that represents a deity. Idolatry is the worship of any false representation of God.

There is only one true representation of God, and His name is Jesus (see Colossians 1:15). Any other human conception of God is idolatry.

What idols are quenching your passion for God? The throne of your heart and life belongs to Christ alone. Anything else on that throne is an idol. And so I implore you, brothers and sisters: Tear it down. Exchange your idols for worship of the one true God. With His help, you can do it.

Prayer: Father, help me to identify and tear down the idols in my life. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“And it will be: Like people, like priests. I will punish both of them for their ways and repay them for their deeds” (Hosea 4:9).

Learn more in Dr. Michael A. Youssef’s sermon Hope and Forgiveness in Times of Judgment, The Collapse of a Permissive Society: LISTEN NOW

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