“Making”

Now they sin more and more,
And have made for themselves molded images,
Idols of their silver, according to their skill;
All of it is the work of craftsmen.
They say of them,
“Let the men who sacrifice kiss the calves!”
(Hosea 13.2)

What are you making?

Israel was not only making idols; they were making problems. The prophet Hosea spoke of God’s great love for Israel, and he warned of coming judgement because of Israel’s unfaithfulness (Hosea 11.1; 13.3). Israel had a marriage covenant with God but had committed adultery (Hosea 2.2-13). They worshiped false gods and made graven images. Israel kissed their idols and turned away from God. Israel continued to make their lives into something that displeased God.

God has given people the amazing ability to create. We may not be likely to make golden calves that we will kiss in devotion, but we are always in danger of making idols. God will not share worship with a created thing (Exodus 20.3-4). He alone is the uncreated Creator of all things and worthy of worship (Psalm 90.2; Revelation 1.8). We can make things that please God, and we can make things to please ourselves. The two do not have to be mutually exclusive. If we desire to please God, we will make our lives into something that pleases God and ourselves.

What are you making? You can make your life pleasing or displeasing to God. Who do you worship? The Creator or creation (Romans 1.25)? Like Israel, all people struggle with sin. Like Israel, all people face judgement for sin. Like Israel, all people can find mercy and forgiveness by coming to God. You can be made into a new creation (2 Corinthians 5.17).

God, thank You for the blessings of being made in Your image. Thank You for the ability to create and the privilege to worship You. Make me into the person that You desire. Guide my hands and mind in making a life that honors You. Amen.

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Making | Hosea 13.2
Weekly Bible Devotional

Written and Produced by:
Reverend David Lyda
Little Stevens Creek Baptist Church
Edgefield, SC

Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1979, 1980, 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.