Daily Devotional 3-29-2022
1Ti 1:20 CSB Among them are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have delivered to Satan, so that they may be taught not to blaspheme. Paul’s prescription for these two blasphemers was that they be handed over to Satan, a phrase which perhaps refers to excommunication from the congregation and abandonment to realms controlled by Satan. Paul viewed the congregation as a haven and protection for believers without which they would suffer painful disadvantage. Thus excommunication was designed to chasten the two apostates. Yet Paul’s motive was remedial, not punitive.
Daily Devotional 3-28-2022
1Co 5:11 CSB But actually, I wrote you not to associate with anyone who claims to be a brother or sister and is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or verbally abusive, a drunkard or a swindler. Do not even eat with such a person. What he called for was disciplinary action for anyone associated with the church, whether a brother or one in name only, who took part in the church while continuing a life of sin. The discipline demanded for such a one was exclusion from fellowship with other members. Certainly the prohibition extended to an exclusion from eating the communal meal, the Lord’s Supper. Other social contact might also have been excluded. It was unlikely, however, that the sanctioned individual was barred from all congregational meetings, for the church’s ministry might lead to his conviction and repentance.
Daily Devotional 3-27-2022
Hos 4:15 CSB Israel, if you act promiscuously, don’t let Judah become guilty! Do not go to Gilgal or make a pilgrimage to Beth-aven, and do not swear an oath: As the LORD lives! Judah was now warned to avoid the sins of her sister Israel. The threefold warning (Do not go… do not go… do not swear) is a rhetorical device designed to accentuate Israel’s guilt. To associate oneself with Israel’s false, hypocritical worship would be contaminating. Even Bethel, the site of Jacob’s dream, had become “Beth Aven” (‘house of the wicked”) because of the religious practices conducted there. In the midst of this idolatrous, immoral worship the Israelites even had the audacity to employ the Lord’s name in oaths. The Law commanded Israel to swear by the Lord’s name. However, to make a semblance of devotion to the Lord while serving other gods was the grossest hypocrisy.
Daily Devotional 3-26-2022
Hos 4:9-10 CSB The same judgment will happen to both people and priests. I will punish them for their ways and repay them for their deeds. (10) They will eat but not be satisfied; they will be promiscuous but not multiply. For they have abandoned their devotion to the LORD. Because the priests were no different from the other people, they also would experience the effects of the covenant curses. Despite their greedy schemes to accumulate food, their appetites would not be satisfied for drought would make food scarce. Their efforts to promote fertility through cult prostitution would not succeed.
Daily Devotional 3-25-2022
Hos 4:8 CSB They feed on the sin of my people; they have an appetite for their iniquity. In their greed the priests fed on the sins of the people by encouraging them to multiply the hypocritical sacrifices which the Lord hated. The priests’ underlying motive in doing this was greed, since they received portions of the offerings which were presented.
Daily Devotional 3-24-2022
Hos 4:6 CSB My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I will reject you from serving as my priest. Since you have forgotten the law of your God, I will also forget your sons. Here the accusation is extended to the religious leaders or the demise of the religious leaders is announced. Stumble refers to their moral shortcomings or their coming downfall. These priests and prophets were attached to the official sanctuaries and royal court. Their allegiance was to their human king, not God, and they were characterized by self-gratification and greed.
Daily Devotional 3-23-2022
2Ki 3:17-18 CSB For the LORD says, ‘You will not see wind or rain, but the wadi will be filled with water, and you will drink—you and your cattle and your animals.’ (18) This is easy in the LORD’s sight. He will also hand Moab over to you. This miracle predicted by Elisha affirmed God’s power and authority and validated Elisha’s ministry. King Jehoshaphat of Judah and King Ahab of Israel gave the prophet Micaiah a similar request. But they ignored God’s advice—with disastrous results.