07/06/2014 - THE SAD FATE OF THE VAIN

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Ephraim is oppressed, trampled in judgment, intent on pursuing idols. Hosea5.11

Vanity is the shout of a rebellious heart, which goes against the praise that is due to the Lord. The vain does not recognize that what he is, what he has, and what he can do comes from God. The demons that lead this person jump with joy, for he or she will be oppressed and broken in judgment. Then, instead of being freed of problems, this person will see his prayer unanswered, and besides, will leave the battle completely broken.

Although Ephraim was one of the tribes of Israel, many times its name was used to represent the whole nation. The Israelites prospered, which was natural, for they were in the land that flowed milk and honey (Js 21.43). But instead of giving glory to the Almighty for having given them so many blessings, they were subdued by ingratitude, left the Most High and surrendered to the practices of other nations, to do things that God had forbidden them.

History repeats itself throughout all generations. There are many families that have been reached by the Word of God, but then, when they had peace, prosperity, and security, they let themselves be taken by the temptation that it all happened by chance. Many times, the parents remain firm in the faith, but the sons and daughters go completely astray. Thus, the devil has attacked them again with sicknesses, disasters, and all kinds of afflictions.

Why does this happen? Because of vanity! Now, whoever falls into any temptation, in whatever area or level, will see that his act is like striking the face of Christ. Jesus paid an enormous price for our eternal redemption and complete freedom from the kingdom of evil. However, those who are not watchful and do not love the Lord as they should, go back to being a slave with many sufferings.

It is necessary to be watchful inside the house, for our enemies might be members of our own family. They may be people that, in human eyes, would never do any harm to us (Mt 10.36). Some would even be able to donate us an organ of their own body, if necessary. However, since they have not experienced the new birth, though they are religious or not, they give us advices that if we accept them, we may be in the hands of the devil.

The people of Ephraim were not watchful. Thus, vanity possessed their hearts once again. They did not believe that when they would go to war against their enemies, they would be oppressed and torn apart. But that was exactly what happened. If you allow vanity to take control over you, the same may happen in your life.

Many people must have laughed at Hosea, but when the Assyrians took them to captivity, they remembered the prophet’s warning. But then it was too late, because the judgment had already happened, and they never were a nation again.

In Christ, with love,

R.R. Soares