Text: Hosea 8:8-14
Memory Verse: “For Israel has forgotten his Maker and built temples; and Judah also has multiplied fortified cities; But I will send a fire upon his cities, and it shall devour his palaces” (Hosea 8:14).
The people of Israel loved their rituals of sacrifice more than obedience to the voice of the Lord. Their decision to walk in that path of life made their sacrifices meaningless before the Lord God. However, God is faithful to call His people to account for their failure and any tendency to continue this way would, undoubtedly, attract punishment.
Many have forgotten their Maker today by the way they live. A few signs that show that one has forgotten one’s Maker are: when the heart becomes disobedient to God’s leading and voice; when one becomes busy with the
pursuit of idols; when one’s desires become self-centred; and when one develops a proud and selfish mentality, fails to follow divine guidance, walks in unfruitful works of darkness, lacks communion with the Holy Spirit, always fulfils the desires of the flesh, or lacks integrity and the fear of God.
Examine the list above, look inwards honestly and make amends, where necessary. Do not be like people who have built temples of idols and have multiplied fenced cities of immoralities, deceit, and lawlessness. God said He
will send a fire upon such cities, and it shall devour their palaces. The conclusion of the whole matter, like Solomon counsels, is “Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is man’s all. For God will bring every work into judgement” (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14a). So, do not forget your Maker.
Prayer Points:
1. Father, have mercy upon me for forgetting You in any way.
2. Lord, grant me mercy and divine assistance to always remember You in my daily engagements.