His Wayward People

“When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called my son. But the more they were called, the more they went away from me. They sacrificed to the Baals and they burned incense to images. It was I who taught Ephraim to walk, taking them by the arms; but they did not realize it was I who healed them. I led them with cords of human kindness, with ties of love. To them I was like one who lifts a little child to the cheek, and I bent down to feed them. “Will they not return to Egypt and will not Assyria rule over them because they refuse to repent? A sword will flash in their cities; it will devour their false prophets and put an end to their plans. My people are determined to turn from me. Even though they call me God Most High, I will by no means exalt them. Hosea 11:1-7

As Gentiles grafted into Israel and thus joint heirs with her, let us learn from history what to stay away from. Things that displease God. They are not a big secret, not even a small secret. God tells us straight forward in the Ten Commandments. You shall have no other god before me. Do not make for yourselves idols of wood or stone. Our creations are not God. There is only one God. Stay faithful to Him all the days of your life.