28/06/2011 - What a sad prophecy!

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―As for Ephraim, their glory shall fly away like a bird— no birth, no pregnancy, and no conception! Though they bring up their children, yet I will bereave them to the last man. Yes woe to them when I depart from them!‖ (Hosea 9:11-12)
Ephraim – one of the two sons of Joseph, like Manasseh his brother – was established as the leader of one of the tribes of Israel replacing Reuben, Jacob’s oldest son who raped Bilhah, his father’s concubine. Joseph’s children were greatly privileged but Ephraim did not know how to use the opportunity he had. Besides, the Ephraimites were evil, which greatly angered the Lord who had, for several times, declared the end of that people as we see, for instance, in the above passage from the book of Hosea.
The Word of the Lord warns us that those occurrences in biblical times are examples of what happens nowadays. It is perfectly possible for a person to be saved, receive a beautiful ministry from the Lord and be used in a spectacular manner for a long time but, even so, he or she might lose his or her blessing. Many are trifling with The Truth, mocking the holiness of the Lord. Yet, He said that we must be holy because He is holy (I Peter 1:16).
Foolishness is something that may befall anyone but the difference is that the wise and the prudent turn away from it whereas the unwary give it a dwelling place in their hearts. As we are tempted we must remember that the Lord will not forsake us; instead He will provide a way out for us. In fact, a man who is under temptation should not consider himself a lost cause because even if the devil tempts us all, it does not mean that we have sinned. Jesus Himself was tempted in every way but He did not sin (Matthew 4:1–11). For us to do the same we only need to stand firm in the divine promises and do not give way to the devil’s seductions. If need be, we must resist to bloodshed (Hebrews 12:4) and we must never be carried away by the enemy’s nonsense.
One of the meanings of the word Ephraim is ―the ten tribes‖. The Ephraimites had made so many errors that the name of that tribe was used to typify the Israelites in sin. May you never be associated with such stigma! Remember that you were saved from the great and eternal destruction; you are one of those who will inherit the glorious salvation. By the way, there is nothing in this world that can be compared to what the Most High will give you in the future. So, regardless of the temptation that might be inviting you to sin, you should not surrender to it.
Jesus never forgets you; after all, your name is written in the Heavens (Luke 10:20). Now, if you have drifted away from the Master, you must go quickly back to Him because the Lord has not given up on your life. On the contrary, He has prepared a marvellous place for you to stay with Him eternally (John 14:2). So, do not be stubborn like Ephraim and the other Israeli tribes were; act as an obedient servant who rejoices our Father’s heart.
The Savior is coming back quickly (Revelation 3:11) showing up in the clouds to rescue us from this evil world and from suffering. He will come to give each one their reward according to their works. So, do your best not to miss this meeting. You have been approved to be forever by the side of the eternal King.
In Christ, with love,
R. R. Soares