18/11/2022 - THE PRICE OF REBELLION

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Samaria is held guilty, for she has rebelled against her God. They shall fall by the sword, their infants shall be dashed in pieces, and their women with child ripped open. Hosea 13.16

A sad prophecy was delivered to Samaria! This kingdom separated itself from the house of David with divine approval. But because it had been led astray by lies, worshiping the golden calves of Jeroboam, it received a heavy sentence that it would become a desert. The plans of the Most High are beneficial, but when He speaks of slaughtering His people, it is worrisome, for the Bible says: So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void (Isaiah 55:11a; read also Jeremiah 1:12). Be vigilant!

To rebel against the Lord is foolishness. After all, He protects those who obey Him. But those who act as they see fit and take no pleasure in obeying God’s commands are poor wretches. The devil will claim the right to oppress those who no longer have the fear of God and seek the evil one for good harvests, taking pride in sinning. These reckless people are unaware of the evil destined for them here and hereafter.

One issues a condemnatory sentence against herself by rebelling against Heaven. The hellish powers will never have mercy on one who bends to temptation. But he who resists the tempter soon sees him flee in haste as the Scriptures say (James 4.7). No matter what the situation, reject the lie, because with it, demons will soon come and destroy your life (John 8.44).

Samaria was given a threefold sentence, which detailed what would happen to its people. The sentence said that its inhabitants would fall by the sword, and so it happened shortly after Hosea was used. With the same name as this prophet was a king who, at the time, was subdued by Shalmaneser, king of Assyria (2 Kings 17.3). The cruelty was such that it was not possible to resist. Take care of your faith!

It was pitiful for that portion of Jacob to see the Assyrian barbarians tear their children to pieces, without even being able to hide them. Those invaders symbolize the demons who take pleasure in wickedness, leading human beings to suffer at their hands. Don’t play with the divine work! Enter the ark of salvation, the Gospel, and hide yourself until the destruction ceases. The Lord is your high Refuge (Psalms 9.9)!

Satan’s hatred against humanity, especially against the children of the Most High, was seen in the torn pregnant women. Whoever does not believe in the Lord collaborates with the devil, giving him conditions to destroy his own family. Hosea, the prophet, did not speak by chance, but the Omniscient God warns us about the events of the last days.

This depressing scenario was seen and commented on by all, as the Assyrians opened the wombs of the women of Samaria and threw the fetuses into the streets. The hatred of the enemy is unimaginable, and that is his nature. One day, people will see how bad they have been for not serving God, but it will be too late. Repent!

In Christ, with love,

R. R. Soares