Second Kings 17 records the nine-year reign of last king of the northern kingdom of Israel, Hoshea. Hoshea was attacked by Shalmaneser, the king of Assyria, and had to pay tribute. But instead of relying on the Lord, He tried to make an alliance with Egypt. The prophet Hosea (note the similarities in name) predicted that allying with Egypt would lead to the destruction of Israel. Samaria was captured, and all the inhabitants were scattered.

The author of 2 Kings reminds the reader that God had warned Israel over and over to worship only God. God sent his prophets to warn them. They refused to listen.

God is merciful and loving. But, if we continually ignore and disobey the command that He gives us, there will come a time when He will have no choice but to allow us to be destroyed.

May we all respond to the call of God.

Psalm 55 sounds like many other Psalms, with an appeal to God to hear the plea for deliverance from the enemy. But verse 12 brings an unexpected twist:

Psalm 55:12–14 (ESV):

For it is not an enemy who taunts me—
then I could bear it;
it is not an adversary who deals insolently with me—
then I could hide from him.
But it is you, a man, my equal,
my companion, my familiar friend.
We used to take sweet counsel together;
within God’s house we walked in the throng.

It is difficult when we are betrayed. But, we can take that burden to the Lord.

Psalm 55:22 (ESV):

Cast your burden on the LORD,
and he will sustain you;
he will never permit
the righteous to be moved.

Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself.” Acts 2:37-39, ESV

The promise of the gift of the Holy Spirit is for all whom the Lord calls to Himself. All Christians should exhibit the fruit of the Spirit, and all will be given gifts for ministering to others.