Not fit for
consumption...
Here is a curious turn
of phrase (times two!) worth investigation: "Ephraim mixes himself with
the peoples; Ephraim is a cake not turned." (Hosea 7:8 ESV)
The first part of this
verse -- "mixes himself with the peoples" -- is a simple
condemnation. It doesn't mean racial mixing, or mixing of the classes. It means
Israel has forsaken the uniqueness of her calling as people of holiness in the
Law by adopting pagan practices of the people around them. Israel did not
maintain their God-commanded purity and peculiarity.
That leads to
understanding about the second part of the verse; "Ephraim is a cake not
turned." That means half-cooked and not fit for consumption.
The result is plainly
stated by Hosea: "Strangers devour his strength, and he knows it not; gray
hairs are sprinkled upon him, and he knows it not." (Hosea 7:9 ESV) Hosea
is saying Israel has gotten older and weaker and doesn't even know it!
What Israel needs is
God, and it's right there in Israel's face and they are so consumed with
worldliness that they cannot see what is plainly before them. Hosea continues,
"The pride of Israel testifies to his face; yet they do not return to the
LORD their God, nor seek him, for all this." (7:10 ESV)
Israel is no good for
themselves and is no good for those around them. Having forsaken their
uniqueness, Israel is giving a cloudy image of God and presenting a confusing
message about Him. (The good thing is God can hold His own reputation!)
Now, just sit back and
look a the Church in America (and Europe, for that matter). The same could be
said of her! Half baked! Not fit for consumption!
Now, before y'all blow
up, you know there are exceptions. You know there are many strong believers and
many strong congregations, but the whole is weak, mixed up, and worldly.
We need to see
ourselves for what we have become and seek God for revival. We need it! And I
don't mean a warm fuzzy feeling that comes after some "good
services," but a whole-hearted return to holiness.
When the Church has
her uniqueness, she is good for her, brings glory to God, and good for those
around her.
Don't look out of the
window before looking in the mirror. Are you half-baked? Is your family so
mixed with the world that you can't tell y'all are "Christian"
without seeing fish and crosses on your possessions? Is your local church
half-baked? (Are you even faithful to the local church?) Is your denomination
or association worldly?
Whew... tough
questions. Are we brave enough to ask and answer?
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