BUT THEY KNEW NOT!

" . . . I taught Ephraim also to go, taking them by their arms; but they knew not that I healed them." (Hosea 11:3)

THIS TEXT PRESENTS a most tender scene – one that portrays the Lord helping His people in their spiritual infancy. It is a picture of teaching a toddler how to walk. The NIV reads, "It was I who taught Ephraim to walk, taking them by the arms; but they did not realize it was I who healed them." The Lord was truly gentle with the ancient people, not only taking them by the arms, but even carrying them through treacherous terrain. As it is written, "and in the wilderness where you saw how the LORD your God carried you, as a man carries his son, in all the way that you went until you came to this place" (Deut 1:31, NKJV). A most powerful expression of this tenderness is found in the nineteenth chapter of Exodus. "I bore you on eagles' wings and brought you to Myself" (v 4). What condescending acts for a mighty God, and yet He did it with a keen interest in and love for His people.

THE DIFFICULTY WAS, the people did not recognize what the Lord had so graciously done for them. They were blinded by their own sin. In their response to God they became more related to beasts of the field than to their Maker. Even though the Lord had dealt with them tenderly, assisting them as a nurse does a toddling infant, yet "they knew not" that He had healed them. They were willingly unaware that their good condition was the direct result of the working of their God.

THIS WAS NOT A IGNORANCE like that of the blind man, who did not know who the Son of God was, even though he had been healed by Him (John 9:35-36). In that instance, Jesus had not yet revealed Himself to the man. However, in the case of Israel, they had seen the mighty hand of God like no other people in all of history. No one has ever had such significant overt displays of Divine might as they did. Earlier in Hosea, the Spirit also refers to the obtuseness of this people. "For she did not know that I gave her corn, and wine, and oil, and multiplied her silver and gold" (2:8).

THE PEOPLE WERE. as Peter would say, "willingly ignorant" (2 Pet 3:5). They "knew not" because they "would not." Every advantage and consideration was given to them, yet they responded with unbelief. Here is how Isaiah said it. "I have nourished and brought up children, and they have rebelled against me. The ox knoweth his owner, and the ass his master's crib: but Israel doth not know, my people doth not consider" (Isa 1:2-3). Truly, some of the most tragic words in Scripture!

IS IT POSSIBLE to experience the grace and favor of God and yet remain ignorant of it? Indeed it is! That is precisely what our text states. But such a response is always inexcusable. If it was wrong for Israel to so react to Divine favor WITHOUT a new heart, how much more is it inappropriate for those who have been given a new heart and spirit? – for those who have been washed, sanctified, and justified in the name of the Lord Jesus (1 Cor 6:11). When those who have been washed from their sins and made kings and priests unto God (Rev 1:5-6) are unmindful of their Savior, a sin of unspeakable magnitude has been committed! When those who were "once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come" are noted for their ignorance of the Lord, a most serious condition follows. If they "fall away," it is "impossible to renew them to repentance" (Heb 6:4-5).

IT IS THE TENDENCY of flesh to complain, refusing to consider the benefits of the Lord. This tendency is in our flesh, and needs to be crucified in the power of the Holy Spirit (Rom 8:13; Col 3:5). The Lord "daily loads us with benefits" (Psa 68:19). These "benefits" are infinitely more in number than the wisest among us realizes. That is why we must exhort ourselves, just as the sweet Psalmist of Israel. "Bless the LORD, O my soul, And forget not all His benefits: Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases, Who redeems your life from destruction, Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies, Who satisfies your mouth with good things, so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's" (Psa 103:2-5). If that was true under the Law, it is even more so under grace!

DO NOT FORGET the multitude of benefits that have been "daily" loaded upon you. Search them out in faith, and give thanks for them. Do not forget them. Remember how He has dealt with ALL of your iniquities. Ponder how it is He who has healed ALL your diseases. Because of His intervention you have NOT been destroyed. Daily a crown of mercy and lovingkindness is upon you. He is the one who brings satisfaction to your heart. His eye us upon you, and His ear is open to your cry. His holy angels are dispatched to care for you, and camp round about you. That is why, simply put, you have been able to survive what has come your way. Give thanks! Refuse to be among those who do not know.

– Given O. Blakely