December 5, 2008
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In Chapter 4 of the Hosea, God condemned priests in religious leaders and priests of keeping the people from knowing Him. They were supposed to be spiritual leaders, but they had become leaders in wrongdoing and bad examples for believers. The sins they committed were ... "every time a person brought a sin offering, the priest received a portion of it. And because they couldn't eat all of the offerings themselves, they sold some and gave some to their relatives. The priests profited from the continuation of sin. So instead of trying to lead the people out of sin, they encouraged sin to increade their profits." (quoated in NLT)
At the beginning, my feeling instantly tells me that it's so ridiculous for a priest to lead people away from God. However, then I ask why priests or religious leaders turned to commit sins in front of their Gods. Did they know that it's absolute wrong to do these? Did they know that they would receive the punishments from God if they keep doing so? YES. I recall my past experiences and they tell me that christians commits sins are usually blindfolded by the demon and themselves, i.e. tries to cover the followed consequences from God and inner divine voices from Holy Spirit. At that time, we naturally do something very stupid and unwise ... If we continue to addict to 'these', turn away from God very often and 'enjoy' the satisfaction of getting more and more interests and excitements. I think this is why priests did those shameful things in front of God without considering His righteousness.
Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts. And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. Psalm 139:23-24
At the times I think 'I CAN' is the time 'I AM WEAK'. Lord, please keep my hearts towards You. If I rely solely myself to combat the temptations, I foresee I'll fall in front of You. Please give me strength, Lord.
