Daily Scripture Threshing for Monday, August 31, 2020
Today’s Text: Hosea 4:15-19
Key Verses: Hosea 4:17 (KJV) — “Ephraim is joined to idols: let him alone.”

It is very important we understand who Ephraim is here. Jeroboam who led a revolt against the house of David, and became the first king of the ten tribes in the north called Israel, was an Ephraimite. His tribe became so strong, foremost and famous that its name became synonymous to the entire northern kingdom (Israel). At the time of Hosea’s ministry, the kingdom of Israel had entered unholy alliances with heathen nations and embraced their gods. Both of this fact, and their unwillingness to part with the idols is what the prophet referred to as joined with idols.
Idol may exist in our lives in different ways: it may be in our thoughts, in our hands or wallet, before our sight, in our fancies, our bank account, our homes or even in our religion. The spiritual essence of idolatry is the preference of anything to God. Whatever takes the place God should fill in our thoughts and affection is an idol. Adoring football or footballers so much that it adjusts our emotion and rival our commitment to God is idolatrous. You are joined with whatever object that tempts, allures and gains control over you. It may be all the unprofitable communication that empty us and drive us too tired to pray, or the conversation that occupy us and rob us if the opportunities to witness. Or it may be the pride of life that hinders us from conquering self.
All of these falls within the idiom “Ephraim is joined to idols.” Let her alone because: “If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn't do it, it is sin for them.” (James 4:17) Let her alone because: “Let the one who does wrong continue to do wrong; let the vile person continue to be vile; let the one who does right continue to do right; and let the holy person continue to be holy. I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to each person according to what they have done.” (Revelation 22:12) “But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness.” (1 Timothy 6:11)
Quote for the Day: "Whatever takes the place God should fill in our thoughts and affection is an idol.” (Simon Olatunji)
Prayer: Holy Father, I as You to take my life and let it be consecrated to You. Take every moment of my days, and let them flow in Your ceaseless praise in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
With all my love and prayer,
Rev Simon Wale Olatunji, PhD
The Darling Bishop (DaBishop),
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