11.28.07
“A MOTH OR LION?”
Hosea 5:11-14
“Ephraim is oppressed and broken in judgment, because he willingly walked by human precept. Therefore I will be to Ephraim like a moth, and to the house of Judah like rottenness. When Ephraim saw his sickness, and Judah saw his wound, then Ephraim went to Assyria and sent to King Jareb; yet he cannot cure you, nor heal you of your wound. For I will be like a lion to Ephraim, and like a young lion to the house of Judah. I, even I, will tear them and go away; I will take them away, and no one shall rescue.”
Several years ago I was watching an episode of “Cops.” It was extremely interesting in that it was an actual call from a man who called 911 to report a break-in at his house. He had been asleep, when he heard a window break and his security alarm go off.
The 911 operator that he was speaking with was new to the job. In fact this was the first call she had ever taken. Her supervisor was monitoring, and both of them were on the phone with the man. The homeowner said he had a shotgun in his hand, and was on his way to the kitchen to see if anyone had entered. They cautioned him to be very careful. Right! Like he had to be reminded to be careful!
Carrying his gun and cordless phone, he approached the kitchen. He suddenly yelled that “it” was in the house. It was hard to tell what “it” was for a few seconds, until the man calmed down enough to explain what “it” was. “It” turned out to be a bob cat.
The wild creature had been frightened by his dogs and had smashed the window to get away from them. The frightened animal sat growling in a threatening manner from the kitchen counter. When the police arrived they were as edgy as the homeowner. Finally an animal control officer arrived. He snared the animal and removed it from the house. What a great story it was to follow.
This passage of Scripture that I have referenced for today, is found in the book of Hosea. It shows how God deals with His people. Ephraim, mentioned here, refers to the Northern Kingdom of Israel, while Judah refers to the Southern Kingdom. Both were guilty of turning their back on God and forgetting His law.
As often as I read, or think back on this Scripture, I think of how God deals severely with those who stray away from His will for their lives. This was true back then and it applies to us today. When we accept Christ as the Lord of our life, and then drift away from Him into sin and transgression, we are in danger of divine judgment.
It is noteworthy, that God desires to be a moth to us. Earlier this Fall I marvelled at severaI beautiful Monarch Butterflies who were on their migration south. I understand that the Monarch is actually not a butterfly, but a moth. You biologists would know more about that.
Now thank about it—a butterfly that flutters about one’s head may be an irritation, but it causes no harm. It does not bite, scratch, inject venom, or any such thing. It only attracts our attention.
The lion on the other hand, is much more dangerous. A mountain lion or even an angry house cat, can bite and claw. The larger the cat, the greater the injury. Daniel spent the night at “Lion’s Inn,” and lived to tell about it. His accusers were placed in the same accommodations, and were dead before they hit the floor. Daniel 6:16-24.
God desires to attract our attention and draw us back to him. I heard the story of a man who strayed away from God. He was guilty of having an affair with another woman. The elders in his church confronted him, but he told them it was his business and refused to respond to their call for repentance.
He lost not only his wife and family, but went into alcoholism and drug addiction. His life became more and more chaotic. It grew worse as the years passed. After some fifteen years, he came back to the elders of his church and confessed his utter sinfulness and asked to be restored.
These men worked with him and prayed with him and spent month after month studying God’s Word with him. He was sure that he had been fully restored, but he was informed that that he was to meet with the church Governing Council one more time. It was to be at the home of the pastor, at 6:00 p.m. He agreed.
As he entered the house, all the members were there, and smiles were on each member’s face. A new jacket was placed on his shoulders. Someone put a new gold ring on his finger. He was led into the back yard, and the barbeque was fired up with fragrant aroma coming forth–you guessed it—It was a fatted calf!
God sends His conviction, as a fluttering butterfly. He can allow the lions of our own sinfulness tear away at us, but He always is the picture of the Father of the prodigal, waiting for the return. Oh, how I love a God who loves us so much!
Blessings dear hearts. Walk with God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing.
- - - Pastor Cecil