Eternal Hope (2-minute Devotional)

The inhabitants of Samaria tremble
for the calf of Beth-aven.
Its people mourn for it, and so do its idolatrous priests 
— those who rejoiced over it and over its glory —
for it has departed from them.
—Hosea 10:5

What gives you hope? The people of Samaria, which refer to the Northern Kingdom, had placed their hope in the golden calf — an idol created under Jeroboam (1 Kings 12-13). The people had clearly forgotten not only about the second commandment, but also the golden calf incident in Exodus 32. Whatever false hope they had in this calf was temporary. It cannot provide eternal hope that comes from God. What are the idols of your heart? The “glory” it brings is temporary. The “joy” you feel is false. Lay down your idols and look to God for hope today.