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Hosea 10 Commentary
by Brad Boyles
Their hearts were faithless, devious, and deceitful. The KJV and Jewish Bible translate verse 2 using a different word.
Their heart is divided; now they will bear their guilt. He will break down their altars and destroy their standing-stones.
Hosea 10:2 CJB
Consider what this meant. The people had one foot in and one foot out. They weren’t sold out to evil but they weren’t sold out to God either. In fact, many of them would go to Jerusalem for the feast days to join in worshiping God. But, when they journeyed back home, material objects became the source of their worship.
I think we can correlate this with Sunday morning church or even journeying away for several days to a Christian conference. While we are there, it’s all about God, and we get swept up in the emotional experience. It’s not difficult to worship God when everyone around you is doing the same. It’s difficult when you come back home to the struggle of your job, your home responsibilities, and your temptations. Your faith is assaulted, and this is where the rubber meets the road.
A sincere heart praises God in all situations. A divided heart is like a chameleon, blending in seamlessly with the environment.
For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; 8 he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.
James 1:7-8 ESV
I think a double-minded person struggles to believe God is with them in the storm… so they compromise. They teeter back and forth between the world and God depending on the situation and what suits them best.
Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.
James 1:12 ESV
Jesus rejects double-minded followers. True faith is the ability to remain steadfast even under scrutiny and temptation. The Holy Spirit gives us the power to remain faithful to Jesus even when our lives are being threatened! Let us be people of integrity who have a single-minded focus in our commitment to Jesus no matter what.