A Cake Not Turned

Ephraim, he hath mixed himself among the people; Ephraim is a cake not turned. ~Hosea 7:8

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Have you ever baked bread or a cake that was left unturned, which resulted in one side being burned and the other side being uncooked? That’s the picture that God presents to us concerning Israel’s relationship to Him. In this passage, the word "cake" refers to baked unleavened bread. The idea of a cake not turned is a colorful picture of bread that is still uncooked and unfit for consumption. It is a lesson on half-heartedness and non-commitment. Would you consider with me the danger of being a half-baked Christian?

We see a defiled makeup.

The Israelites had established golden calf worship at Dan and Bethel. Associated with the worship of these idols were immoral practices. God describes the lustful hearts of these people as “an oven heated by the baker” and “in the morning it burneth as a flaming fire.” Because of the unrestrained immorality that accompanied the idol worship of Israel, the passions of the men were extremely lustful. Adultery was rampant. The thinking of the typical Israelite was polluted, and thus, they were defiled in makeup. Half-baked Christians look good on the side that is showing, but underneath where people cannot see, they are uncooked or unfit for usefulness. Being defiled in makeup is unconfessed sin, and it is the uselessness of the Christian who attempts to serve God with a filthy heart.

We see the doubtful motives.

Being doubtful in motive means that they lacked faith in God. They lacked faith in God’s power. They had hardened hearts of unbelief. They did that which was right in their own eyes. They agreed with laws that contradicted God’s Word and led others to believe the same things. They had associations with people who were idolaters and wanted nothing to do with God. They were more comfortable being around spiritual rebels instead of being around obedient believers. They would tell you with their lips that they were committed, but in practice they could not be counted on to show up. They refused to make a 100% commitment to the service of the Lord.

We see the double-minded.

Being double-minded means that they could not make up their mind about God. One part of them feared the consequences of not submitting to the Lord; the other side of them wanted to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season. Being double-minded sends the message that you will compromise. Being double-minded means that you worship God, but you also have idols in your life that you worship as well. No man can serve two masters without consequences. You cannot worship God and mammon. Double-minded people cannot be trusted because they do not know which side they are on. Double-minded people have divided loyalties. They are people who halt between two opinions.

Don’t be a cake not turned! You will be useless for service. You will be ineffective in your influence. You will be a stumblingblock to those who do not know the Lord as Savior. Be committed 100% in your walk with the Lord!

Have a devoted God Morning!

Bible Reading Schedule: 1 Chronicles 3-5

#Hosea #HalfHeartedness