Answered by a Stick of Wood

Monday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Hosea 3-4
NT: 1 Peter 1
W&W: Psalm 134

Tuesday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Hosea 5-6
NT: 1 Peter 2
W&W: Psalm 135

Wednesday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Hosea 7-8
NT: 1 Peter 3
W&W: Psalm 136

Thursday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Hosea 9-10
NT: 1 Peter 4
W&W: Psalm 137

Friday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Hosea 11-12
NT: 1 Peter 5
W&W: Psalm 138

Today’s Reflection:

“They consult a wooden idol and are answered by a stick of wood” (Hosea 4.10b).

The prophet Hosea warned the people not to be surprised when they received council as helpful as that from a stick of wood because they were looking for answers from idols made of wood. The same is true for us.

If we look on the bad side of things with suspicion and doubt, we will be answered by suspicion and doubt. But, if we are looking for good, we will find answers of trust and faith. It’s the old “Is your glass half empty or half full?” question.

If we insist on for “justice” then “justice” will be our answer. But, if we have an eye for mercy, the answer we receive will point us in the way of mercy. We will find that the ancient beatitude, “Blessed are the merciful for they will be shown mercy” will be a self-fulfilling reality.

If we seek our answers in things that end in death, we will ultimately be given over to death. But, if by faith in Jesus Christ and his resurrection, we look for answers in life-giving, God-believing principles, we will find life in God. Bob Dylan said it like this: “He not busy being born is busy dying.”

Where are you looking for answers? Remember, you will get your answers from where you look for answers. The answers may or may not be right, but you will always get them where you seek them.

This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
1 Peter 5.10-11: And the God of all grace who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.