99 Days to Pentecost: Day 17

Day 17 - March 2, 2021
Hosea 8:4, 10 (Read Full Chapter)
4 They have set up kings, but not by Me; they have appointed officials, but I did not know it. With their silver and gold they have made idols for themselves, so that they will be eliminated...10 Even though they pay for allies among the nations, I will gather them up now; And they will begin to diminish, because of the burden of the king of officials.
 
“Sin’s Burden”
Written by Pastor Joshua Kim

At a young age, I discovered the dark side of marketing. I saw an ad on TV for these things called Zoobooks, promising a fun and educational experience, learning about some of Earth’s most exotic creatures. The best part: you got 10 issues for the price of one! Thankfully, my dad explained to me how this all works—they promise you fun and satisfaction for 10 issues, and then on the 11th, 12th, and so on, the price compounds before your very eyes.

This is how marketing works. Promise of satisfaction, only to take advantage of you later. And it’s not just commercials, it’s many things in life. Such is the case with sin. If sin didn’t taste or feel or seem so “good”, we wouldn’t fall into it. These things that lead to sin look good to the eyes but are full of empty promises.

In today’s passage, God reveals the true nature of the kings and officials that the people of God hope in, rather than God (v. 4). The promises of security, safety, and provision would soon diminish under the burden of the king and officials (v. 10). This is how sin works. It first entices our hearts with what seems good, only to take advantage of us, to weigh us down with its demands. Sin not only separates us from God, but also places us under bondage.

Are there areas of your life where things that seem good may actually be pulling us away from the Lord and towards its bondage and demands? Ask the Holy Spirit to illuminate areas of spiritual compromise and sinful ways so that we may turn away and run towards the Father.

Prayer: Dear Father, we need You. You are the Author of our lives, the Perfecter of our faith. We ask for Your protection against the ploys of the enemy who offers what may be pleasing to the eye, only to ensnare us. Send Your holy fire to remove these things from our lives. In Jesus’ Name, amen.
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