Hosea 14:8 Ephraim shall say, What have I to do any more with idols? I have heard him, and observed him: I am like a green fir tree… Compare this account of Ephraim with that given in Hosea 4:17. How is this surprising Change to he accounted for? I. A SINNER IN HIS NATURAL STATE IS JOINED TO IDOLS. Herein consisteth the essence of man's apostasy. Something that is not God is the supreme object of his love, and possesseth that place in his heart which is due only to the living and true God. This world, the things of the world, its riches and pleasures and honours, are the great rivals of God which, ever since the fatal apostasy, have usurped the throne of the human heart. This present world, in one shape or other, is loved and served in preference to God by every man, without exception, who hath no other principle of life than what he derived from the first Adam. II. TO SEPARATE A SINNER FROM HIS IDOLS MUST BE THE PECULIAR WORK OF GOD HIMSELF. The natural man may change the object of his devotion; but he will only turn from one idol to another. He stops short of God. All the objects of his pursuit belong to the present state of things. The conversion of a sinner is in Scripture represented as the effect of omnipotent creating power. It is called "a new creation," a being "born again," "a resurrection," a "passing from death to life." The apostate creature is really dead, in the truest and most important sense of the word. III. HOW DOES GOD ACCOMPLISH THIS WORK? By the discovery and application of His pardoning mercy and sanctifying grace. Fear is the immediate consequence of guilt, which soon degenerates into hatred, or that enmity against God which is the distinguishing characteristic of the carnal mind. The report of God's pardoning mercy presents him in a light so suited to the necessities of the apostate creature that, in proportion as it is believed, the sinner is encouraged to look to Him with hope. Then how powerful must the actual experience of such pardoning mercy be. IV. THESE WORDS OF EPHRAIM WILL BE ADOPTED BY ALL UPON WHOM GOD HATH BEEN PLEASED TO CONFER HIS PARDONING MERCY. By this means alone can the sinner be separated from idols. Learn — 1. How to account for that idolatry which is so prevalent in the world. 2. That nothing can avail for the cure of this idolatry which doth not relieve from the guilt of sin and vanquish the tormenting fear of wrath, by representing God in a light wherein we can behold Him with pleasure. 3 The importance and use of faith in Christ. (R. Walker.) Parallel Verses KJV: Ephraim shall say, What have I to do any more with idols? I have heard him, and observed him: I am like a green fir tree. From me is thy fruit found. |
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