S) "For she does not know that it was I who gave her the grain, the new wine and the oil,
And lavished on her silver and gold,
Which they used for Baal."
Hosea 2:8 (NASB)
O) Forgetting for just a moment, that this woman's profession was literally harlotry, the whole point of this book is the spiritual adultery of God's people. Backing up to v.5, she said she was going to return to her lovers (clients) because they provided for her. Ultimately, it is like a hamster on a wheel, though, and she ran and ran, but never caught up to them again; she it was a fruitless chase.
A) Setting aside the details of her profession, allows me to relate more closely. I work to make a living, so that I can buy my "bread, water, wool, flax, oil, and drink." Essentially, it's my employer who is (indirectly) giving me those things. However, if I make the mistake of thinking that it's from my employer, instead of recognizing that it's all from God, then I am making my bosses my lords, and the things I am buying with my paychecks are becoming idols (I'm using them "for Baal" i.e., making them into a Baal). So, I redirect my focus, and thank God for the work I have to do, for the check I get from it, for the things I buy with that check. I force my eyes to heaven to thank Him, and I bow my head only toward Him. I don't chase the favor of my employer, I don't chase my paychecks, I don't chase the things I buy; I chase the LORD.
P) Father, thank You for the job You've given me, the pay it yields. Thank You for the things I can buy, both the essential things, and the unimportant things. Let me remain thankful to You, only, so that I am keeping my focus and devotion to You. Teach me to honor You with my work, with my money, and even with the things I buy. Be glorified in all areas of my life. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.
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