Today’s Devotion
Topic: Forget Not Your God!
Text: Hosea 13: 5- 6
5 I cared for you in the wilderness, in the land of burning heat. 6 When I fed them, they were satisfied; when they were satisfied, they became proud; then they forgot Me. Amen
The Bible gives account of how God took Israel through the wilderness when He brought them out of Egypt and rescued them from the hands of a people who were too strong for them.
A wilderness is an uncomfortable place; it is a place where food and water can be very scarce due to its harsh climatic conditions. However, in spite of the realties of the wilderness, God never forgot about His people, Israel. His presence was a covering to them against the heat and dryness of the desert. And His Word kept them refreshed throughout their journey. Jehovah watched over them day and night so that they were far from harm’s way.
What was even more humbling was how the Lord reminded Israel of His gracious deeds towards them through their exodus. He said, “During the forty years that I led you through the wilderness, your clothes did not wear out, nor did the sandals on your feet.” (Deut 29:5). In fact, the Lord worked many miracles for them, including raining down food (manna) and providing water through solid rocks.
Interestingly, after Israel had become satisfied, they easily became proud and forgot God. They turned to idol worship as soon as they got to a comfortable zone.
Are many of us today any different from the people of Israel we have just learnt about? Do we not beseech the Lord day and night for Heaven’s gracious assistance and intervention; pledging our unflinching allegiance to Him till the breakthrough we desire creates a comfortable zone for us? Just then, we become proud and forget all about God, don’t we?
Beloved, as this gracious word comes to you this morning, remember the glorious height from which you have fallen, repent and return to your ‘first love’. Why should any blessing sway us from the Lord rather than draw us nearer to His heart? How do we forget so soon that the source of our comfort is the same God who loved us while we were yet sinners and gave Himself as a ransom, so that in Him we can live and have our being?
Meditate on this word, Beloved. As for the Lord, He is still and will forever remain the God of all flesh. He honours those who honour Him, but those who despise Him are disdained (1 Sam 2: 30). He also honours those who serve Him (John 12:26) and works out all things together for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose (Rom. 8:28). He resists the proud and gives grace to the humble (James 4: 6).
Do not be content with your current position therefore, and think you can do without the Lord. Jesus says in John 15:5, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in Me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from Me you can do nothing”.
Begin to pray then. Ask for a humble and grateful heart to remain under the mercies of God even when you arrive at the place of plenty.
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