When Moral Values Are Disregarded

MEMORY VERSE: “Who is wise, and he shall understand these things? prudent, and he shall know them? for the ways of the LORD are right, and the just shall walk in them: but the transgressors shall fall therein.” —Hosea 14:9

HOSEA 4:1-3, 6; 6:1-3; 7:4-7; 11:8-9

ISRAEL’S condition of infidelity and general falling away from God’s favor lay heavily upon Hosea’s shoulders, and he sought to draw attention to their disreputable state and moral degeneration. The nation had become debauched through idolatry, and a reckless attitude toward moral values had resulted. Indeed, Hosea’s own wife was an adulteress who eventually left her husband and her false offspring.

As we examine the various texts of our lesson we note that the prophet declared (4:1-3) that God had a controversy with the people of Israel in that there was no fidelity to their covenant relationship; there was no more kindness in their attitude toward God or their fellow man; and there was no knowledge of God. Their consciences numbed respecting God’s laws and providences, the Israelites had forgotten about God and their need for him, and Hosea, whose name appropriately means “salvation,” was deeply concerned for the salvation, or recovery, of his people from their wicked ways. With this he warned them of the punishment that would surely come upon them if they failed to turn from their evil ways.

Then (6:1-3) he pleads with his people to return to their favor with God and to receive once again of his loving-kindness and forgiveness.

However, the prophet points out (7:4-7) that debauchery, infidelity, and drunkenness were to be found even in high places of state in Israel. Such conduct would bring grave consequences if not heeded and corrected. This lesson may be applied not only to ancient Israel, but also to the nations of our contemporary society.

God’s concern for the inhabitants of Israel, as a loving father for his own children, is shown (11:8-9) in Hosea’s message. Each of us who ponders the words in this passage will surely be impressed with the warmth and tenderness of God toward the Israelites. God is always interested in the eternal welfare of his people, and, although especially manifest in this passage, it can be traced throughout the history of the Jewish nation.

And turning to the words of our memory verse, our attention is directed to the fact that it is not by earthly wisdom or intelligence that the message of the prophet may be comprehended, but that it may be understood only by those who are taught of the Lord with the true wisdom which cometh down from above; for even as the Prophet Daniel declared (Dan. 12:10), “None of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand.”

In this connection we note that there is a much broader application of the Prophet Hosea’s message than to natural Israel. In another sense we see the nominal spiritual house of Israel, otherwise known as “Christendom,” professing to be espoused to the Lord while in reality being overcharged with the spirit of idolatry and drunkenness, and worshiping the false gods of this old world.

To have a clear understanding of God’s will in our lives it is necessary, first of all, that the transgressor come to a realization of his own weaknesses and needs, and that he desire mercy and forgiveness.

Throughout this Gospel Age there have been a handful of “Israelites indeed” who have not worshiped false gods and have, instead, dedicated their lives to following after the Lord by presenting their bodies as a living sacrifice which has been acceptable to the Heavenly Father. These have been called from every nation of earth to be the elect members of the heavenly bride class. God has graciously received them and has put away their transgressions through the blood of the cross.

Those who respond to the call of the new creation in this age of consecration and sacrifice are therefore justified, or made right, in God’s sight. They are alert, not only regarding the basic moral precepts of righteousness, but of even greater importance, to cleanse themselves from secret faults. Realizing the necessity to guard against these beginnings of sin and to keep the heart in a cleansed and pure condition they will go to the fountain of grace often to seek help in every time of need. To neglect the beginnings of sin in the secret chambers of the heart and mind would lead to the disregarding of the fundamental laws of truth and righteousness.

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