A devotional for all ministers of the Gospel—pastors, evangelists, preachers, teachers, prophets, worship leaders, and all who labor in God’s vineyard.
Hosea 4:6 (ESV):
“My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge; because you have rejected knowledge, I reject you from being a priest to me. And since you have forgotten the law of your God, I also will forget your children.”
This verse is not a general condemnation of the people of Israel. Rather, it is a direct rebuke to the priests—the spiritual leaders responsible for teaching God’s law and guiding the people in the fear of the Lord. In today’s context, these priests are symbolic of pastors, evangelists, Bible teachers, prophets, apostles, and worship leaders—anyone entrusted with feeding God’s flock.
God does not accuse them of mere ignorance—but of willfully rejecting knowledge. These leaders had the opportunity and responsibility to pursue divine wisdom, yet they neglected the study of God’s Word. Their indifference led to spiritual ignorance among the people, and ultimately, their destruction. If the leaders had sought and embraced the knowledge of God, they could have taught the people, leading them to repentance, healing, and restoration.
But instead, these leaders grew complacent. They were content with shallow understanding. They refused to engage with Scripture, and as a result, the entire nation fell into spiritual decay. This failure is not just negligence—it is a grievous sin before the Lord, because it obstructs others from knowing God.
God’s response is sobering: “I reject you from being a priest to me.” He strips them of their divine office, their spiritual authority, and the grace that had once empowered them. And it doesn’t stop there—“I also will forget your children.” This shows that spiritual unfaithfulness can carry generational consequences.
Consider the example of King Saul:
1 Samuel 15:23 (ESV):
“For rebellion is as the sin of divination, and presumption is as iniquity and idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the Lord, He has also rejected you from being king.”
When spiritual leaders reject God’s Word—whether by disobedience or negligence—they forfeit their calling. Saul’s disobedience cost him his throne. Similarly, a minister today who refuses to seek and teach God’s truth risks losing not only effectiveness, but also the presence and favor of God.
This is not merely a theoretical concern. It is a present reality. There are many today who still bear religious titles but have long since been rejected by God because they refused to pursue and impart the knowledge of Him. They may retain their positions, but not God’s anointing.
Let me be clear: it is better to be rejected by men than to be rejected by God.
As a servant of God, you must seek divine knowledge diligently.
Your ministry is under divine evaluation. When God’s people gather in your church or ministry, He expects them to grow in knowledge and truth—not to perish due to your lack of preparation.
If the people remain ignorant—confused about the basic tenets of faith, chasing after signs, rituals, or worldly substitutes for spiritual truth—you will be held accountable.
Study the Scriptures. Meditate on the Word of God.
Immerse yourself in prayer, theology, church history, and sound doctrine. Be like the Bereans who “received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so” (Acts 17:11, ESV).
Do not seek popularity or applause. Your goal is not to entertain but to edify.
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