Confidence in God

Saturday, March 2, 2013

Hosea 6:1-6 | Psalm 20 | Luke 18:9-14

MISPLACED CONFIDENCE

“What can I do with you, Ephraim? What can I do with you, Judah?” - Hosea 6:4

The Israelite worshipers sang a hymn which expressed their confidence that God would respond favorably to their offerings and sacrifices, “He will heal us…He will bind our wounds…He will raise us up to live in His presence…as certain as the dawn is His coming” (Hosea 6:1-3). Jesus painted a similar picture in today’s Gospel reading. The Pharisee offered sacrifices of tithes, fasting, and a life of holy deeds (Luke 18:11-12). Just as his ancestors did, he prayed confidently to God, offering another splendid sacrifice of prayer and holiness. The Israelites and the Pharisee were confident that God was delighted with offerings and prayers. However, God reacts to these beautiful hymns and prayers with frustration and disgust! He laments: “What can I do with you?” (Hosea 6:4)

We are right to approach God confidently. The Lord approves this attitude (see II Corinthians 3:12; Hebrews 11:35; I Corinthians 5:6-7). However, when we place our confidence in the power of our own efforts to move God, we are “like a morning cloud…that early passes away” (Hosea 6:4).

However, when we place all our confidence in Him and none in ourselves (Luke 18:13), then we truly have knowledge of God (Hosea 6:6). Now God can say to us, “What can I do with you? I will do with you greater works than Jesus Himself” (see John 14:12).

Prayer: “O God, be merciful to me, a sinner” (Luke 18:13).