“Israel is a luxuriant vine; He produces fruit for himself. The more his fruit, the more altars he made; The richer his land, the better he made the sacred pillars.” Hosea 10:1
In Today’s Reading, Hosea uses the imagery of a Vine producing fruit and likens it to the People of Israel. Then, as they were prosperous, they turned away from God to Idolatry. Throughout their history, this was always a great temptation. When they were struggling under trials and afflictions, they called out to God and remained faithful. But when they became prosperous, they would forsake Him and worship Idols.
For many Christians, the same holds true today. When times are tough and trials abundant, we are forced to seek after God and call upon Him regularly. But when those “good times” begin to roll, we neglect Him, and instead, indulge ourselves in our Prosperity. Rightly has Thomas Brooks said, “Adversity has slain its thousands, and Prosperity its ten thousands”. God’s Word gives us Pictures like this to Warn Us of Danger. May we See them and be Wise!