Their deeds do not permit them

Their deeds do not permit them

Scripture: “Their deeds do not permit them to return to their God. A spirit of prostitution is in their heart; they do not acknowledge the LORD. Israel’s arrogance testifies against them; the Israelites, even Ephraim, stumble in their sin; Judah also stumbles with them. When they go with their flocks and herds to seek the LORD, they will not find him; he has withdrawn himself from them. Hosea 5:4-6

Observation: In Hosea 5, the Lord continues his discourse against the people of Israel and even Ephraim. It is written that their deeds do not permit them to return to their God. The description of the deeds here show continuous sinful actions. If we continue to sin and stay stubbornly in sinful ways, how can we come to God? If we repent and come humbly to God, He will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. However, we are saved not to continue in sinful ways, but to live new lives in obedience to God and in His ways. Jesus said “Remain in Me and I will remain in you.”. We have to remain in Jesus by obedience. We are not saved by works, we are totally saved by the great mercy and grace of God alone. Yet, we are saved unto good works. There is a purpose for our salvation, to become changed to become more and more like Jesus as we look forward to His coming again. Grace is not a license to sin, but a call to live holy lives for Jesus. We cannot be completely perfect in this sinful world, but our goal, our direction is always towards Jesus and His holiness. It can be a struggle, especially in sinful environments, but we are called to forget what is behind and press on, to persevere, to remain in Jesus and seek the final crown of salvation He has prepared for us.

The spirit of prostitution in the hearts of the Israelites is a lustful spirit. It led them to forsake the Lord and indulge in sexual immorality like the pagans around them. The Scriptures warns us of how very dangerous this is, and tells us to “flee from sexual immorality”. We cannot stay and hope to withstand this particular temptation. We have to get away quickly lest we fall.

The Israelites did not acknowledge the Lord. In Psalm 10:4, it is written, “In his pride, the wicked does not seek God. In all his thoughts, there is no room for God”. God is to be constantly in our minds throughout the day. What we think, what we do, what we say. God’s presence should always permeate us.

Moreover, the Israelites were arrogant. God hates arrogance. The arrogant cannot hope to seek God. His eyes are on the humble, the lowly, those who bow down before Him and hope in Him. Esau, the typical picture of the self-made, arrogant, powerful man could not please God. Jacob, despite his faults, humbled himself before God.

Application: We must not continue in deeds of sin. Where we are sinful, the Holy Spirit calls us to repent, and live life anew seeking to follow God’s ways. In all things, beware the spirit of prostitution and sexual immorality which cannot be underestimated. Flee from such circumstances of temptation.

In all our ways, acknowledge God. Keep the Lord in our minds throughout the day, seeking to please Him with our actions and words. Beware of arrogance and keep our hearts humble towards the Lord and to others.

Prayer: Lord, where I have sinned, forgive me. Lead me away from constant sin I pray. Let my heart always acknowledge you, let me be aware of Your presence throughout each day. Protect me from sin O Lord, especially from sexual immorality. Help me be humble and not think of myself more highly than I ought, but rather with good favor towards all I meet. Bless You, Lord. In Jesus name, Amen.