“For Israel is stubborn like a stubborn calf; now the Lord will let them forage like a lamb in open country. Ephraim is joined to idols, let him alone. Their drink is rebellion, they commit harlotry continually. Her rulers dearly love dishonor” (vs16-18)
The worst thing possible is being LEFT ALONE by God (Hos 4:14-19). He said, “Ephraim is joined to idols, let him alone”. When sin is not reproved in the conscience by chastisements... when we think we're getting away with it... then we really hurt ourselves, because we don't hurt, and so we destroy ourselves increasingly (Eph 4:17-19). In chastisement, God gives us warning, but if we feel no pain and are without chastisement, then we're bastards (Heb 12:7-8). God must save us, and when He doesn't speak and move us, then we can't be saved.
Saints are allowed to be destroyed in our schemes, by God letting them “prosper”, until we learn later (2 Chron 20:35-37). Sinners are permitted to rebel, only to be utterly taken out in the long run. Thus, silence is fearful, and doing your will and getting away with it is one of the worst things imaginable. When God says, "let them alone", He refuses to give knowledge necessary for salvation, since we've so despised the knowledge He gave already.
Saints are encouraged to discern our way by God's word, rather than our feelings or success. We secure our path, because we can't judge by "open doors", which, perhaps, we've forced and opened ourselves. We seek God's kingdom, walking in the light of scripture, and we make sure that we're safe, rather than deceived (Ps 139:23-24). Don't think painless joy is the mark of safety; it is better to have misery and be blessed by God's word exalting your way as pleasing to Him, than to have the delusion of peace (Rev 2:8-11).
Secondly, ignorance causes destruction, so heed knowledge (Hos 5:1-4). We read, “They do not direct their deeds toward turning to their God, for the spirit of harlotry is in their midst, and they do not know the Lord.” People don't know God naturally and must be taught. Those who obey God's word in trembling fear are blessed for receiving God and believing Him for who He is in truth (Is 66:1-2). Those who reject the gospel are cursed in their lie, punished for their caricature of God, and they miss out on the salvation Christ gives. Do not be unwise! God is whom He declares Himself to be, and the Lord Jesus is the one and only mediator, the only One capable of appeasing wrath. Salvation is free, earned by Him, and given to sinners not one bit better than another. Therefore, only God is glorified in the salvation that makes us obedient, for He saves for real, giving the blessings of holiness. If this God is yours, then rejoice, and honor Him wholeheartedly. If you have another, or if you're cold towards God's commands for you, then repent. Ignorance isn't bliss.
Finally, God hurts us for taking man's word over His, so FEAR God and glorify Him who is Lord and Savior (Hos 5:10-13). He says, “Ephraim is oppressed and broken in judgment, because he willingly walked by human precept”. Man can't help or heal the bones that He's broken, so disregard men and serve God. Know where you stand according to scripture, and do not bow to anyone else (Matt 10:27-28). God will fight for the hated believer, but He hates the fear of man, and He'll show that man can't save you, and glory is Christ's alone (Deut 32:36-41). Your God is either the God of the bible in grace and truth, or it's man-made idolatry. Who will you serve? God or men?
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