Like People, Like Priest

There rests in the hearts of many people a persistent belief that putting the right people in charge will solve problems in society.  The big problem is this is simply untrue.  Many politicians and leaders have been chosen or elected who promised change and have been unable to stop moral decline, poverty and crime.  The unfounded hope in the hearts of people, this longing to enact positive, enduring change through education, programs and politics have often been disappointed.

The hopelessness of good leaders overcoming bad citizens was laid bare in Hosea 4:9-10 in a warning God gave His people concerning future judgment:  "And it shall be: like people, like priest. So I will punish them for their ways, and reward them for their deeds. ¹⁰ For they shall eat, but not have enough; they shall commit harlotry, but not increase; because they have ceased obeying the LORD."  God's people banked their trust on having holy, sanctified priests who served God and ruled over them.  The problem was these priests were chosen from people who had ceased obeying the LORD.  We think the influence of a good priest will have a sanctifying effect on the population, but the opposite would occur.  The people were corrupt so the priest would be corrupt like them.  Gone was any hope of salvation or help from sinful man.  The people were dissatisfied with God's provision and guidance, and even a godly man would not correct their error.  This is telling, for God's people later rejected the Messiah Jesus Christ God sent to save them from sin.

The realms of business, politics and religion have no hope in themselves to guide mankind to truth, redemption, reconciliation or peace:  these are found only through becoming a new creation through faith in Jesus Christ.  In Him we have a sure foundation, hope of heaven and rest for our souls.  It is only God who created man who can save man from hatred, hopelessness and despair.  Without the satisfaction found in God nothing will satisfy; no amount of lovers or idols will suffice.  The greatest men and women among us will someday be gone and their accomplishments swallowed up by negligence, complacency, greed and apathy.  Haven't your hopes been dashed enough to prove beyond a doubt only God as revealed in the Bible has the power to save, the One who rose from the dead and lives?