Contemplative Bible Reading

Hosea 8:4 (New Living Translation)

The people have appointed kings without my consent,
and princes without my approval.

This is the prophet relaying God’s words to His people. Consider that one for a moment. “Thus says the Lord…” What a blessing to have. The people, however, had their own ideas on who should be King and what a King should do.

Poor people. Why did they ignore God? Poor us today. Why do we ignore God? Why do we interpret God’s heart in light of our own desires? I suppose this is part of the fallen nature of mankind. Nothing seems to change.

And let us thank God that nothing seems to change as that carries with it that…God doesn’t change. In spite of all our failings, God remains steadfast in his love towards us.

These are old ideas and old words (thus and steadfast). Perhaps we should repeat the words of verse 2 of this chapter:

‘Help us, for you are our God!’