Sketches of Sermons Hosea 5:13 When Ephraim saw his sickness, and Judah saw his wound, then went Ephraim to the Assyrian, and sent to king Jareb… Men continually provoke God to chastise them, but rarely make a due improvement of His chastisements. Instead of turning to God, they dishonour Him more by applying to the creature under their distress rather than to Him. I. MEN, IN TIMES OF TROUBLE, ARE PRONE TO LOOK TO THE CREATURE FOR HELP RATHER THAN TO GOD. 1. In troubles of a temporal nature. Sickness of body? Distress of mind. Straitened circumstances. God is invariably our last refuge. 2. In spiritual troubles. Under conviction of sin. In seasons of temptation or desertion. Though foiled ten thousand times, we cannot bring ourselves to lie as clay in the potter's hands. II. THE CREATURE CANNOT AFFORD US ANY EFFECTUAL SUCCOUR. There are circumstances wherein friends may be instrumental to our relief; but they can do — 1. Nothing effectual; and 2. Nothing of themselves.Apply(1) Let us guard against this sinful propensity, both in our national and personal concerns. (2) Let us especially rely on Christ as the healer of our souls. To Him then look with humble, uniform, unshaken affiance. (Sketches of Sermons.) Parallel Verses KJV: When Ephraim saw his sickness, and Judah saw his wound, then went Ephraim to the Assyrian, and sent to king Jareb: yet could he not heal you, nor cure you of your wound. |
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