August 9, 2025 - Hosea 4-6

One of the most shocking verses in all the prophetic books.  God speaks through Hosea to say, “My people inquire of a piece of wood, and their walking staff gives them oracles” (4:12).  Think about it.  For guidance, the people Israel looked to pieces of wood, walking staffs!  They entrusted their future to sticks!  I believe it is from one of the Hobbit movies in which Bilbo and Gollum, in the cave, go back and forth with riddles, one being:  “What animal, when young  walks on two legs, when middle-aged walks on two legs, and when old walks on three legs?”  Of course, the answer is “That’s us!”  We start out crawling, learn to walk on two, and eventually need the assistance of a walking stick.  I use a walking stick when on uneven ground.  I cannot imagine turning to my cane and asking, “What do you think?  Should I do it (Whatever “it” is.) or not?”  Foolish.  Silly.  Dangerous.  Yet, along with Israel, we often look in all the wrong places for guidance and counsel when God has given us a perfect source of counsel, his Word.  The Psalmist declared, “I will never forget your precepts, for by them you have given me life.  I am yours; save me, for I have sought your precepts” (Psalm 119:93-94).  In God’s counsel, there is life.  In his Word, we discover the path that is straight.  We do not listen to sticks of wood (As if they can speak!).  Our God has spoken to us, and in his Word we find delight and life.

How precious is the Book Divine,

By inspiration giv’n!

Bright as a lamp its doctrines shine

To guide our souls to heav’n,

To guide our souls to heav’n.

Its light, descending from above

Our gloomy world to cheer,

Displays a Savior’s boundless love

And brings His glories near,

And brings His glories near.   --John Fawcett (1782)