Hosea 13:9

Self Destruction 

"O Israel, thou hast destroyed thyself; but in me is thine help." (Hosea 13:9)

Man is bent on destroying himself. We are working toward destruction with each passing day. When we seek after the remedies of the world for our ailments, we destroy ourselves; when we seek comfort from the world's organizations, we destroy ourselves; when we chase after the treasures of this world, we destroy ourselves; when we put our hope in politics, we definitely destroy ourselves. We are bent on our own destruction. Sin destroys us, and we run to it and seek after it, and even enjoy it. Destruction often comes very slowly, creeping in little by little and therefore is hardly noticed until it is too late. It can be compared to rust on metal, it begins as a slight discoloration, then a "surface rust" then it eats away at the fiber of the metal until there is nothing left but dust, but it takes time. So it is in life, as a slow spreading cancer, sin eats away at the fibers of what is clean and pure, and good. It decays. The government will not hinder the progress of sin; sin will still slowly consume us. Our only hope is in Jesus.

The last part of our verse says, "but in me is thine help" and so it is. Only Christ can wipe away the rust in our lives, the decay, and cleanse us whiter than the fresh driven snow. Only He can stop the deterioration and corruption of sin in our lives, and He can do it instantly. Dr. Bob Jones Sr. once said, "When you play with sin, you cannot win" and he was right. Sin will destroy all that comes its way. It will defeat every person that grasps it gruesome horns and lead them into destruction and despair. It will leave a bitter taste in the mouth of all who sip it and cause an appetite for more. The only remedy for sin is Jesus. Calvary is the answer; it is the answer to all the problems of life. Don't allow sin to destroy your life, you have too much to lose! Take Christ as your savior, and He will deliver you from the evil clutches of sin and give you a rest and peace in Him that is supernatural, and very sweet. Call upon Him today, and enjoy a vibrant, abundant life in Him. (See Hosea 14:2).

--Marty Dunn

Return To Marty Dunn's Devotion List

This page has been displayed 1 times this month, 36 times since October 11, 2008 .