I’ve been gently (ahem) reminded that when all I do is type out a verse swirling through my brain, it can come across as quite…harsh.

He feeds on ashes….He feeds on ashes…

Our small group is going through a study on Hosea. 

Whew.

It would like to kill me.

How many times do I run away from the Love of My Life? 

Anyway, a few weeks ago she referenced yesterday’s verse, talking about our idols.

In particular, the image of feeding on ashes.

Who would choose that, right? 

But we’re so enamored with what we’ve put in the position of highest importance, it’s as if we’re eating ashes and don’t even realize it…because our “deluded heart misleads us.”

But I’ve been contemplating the significance of “right hand” as well.

A long time ago I think I heard someone teach on what the right hand stands for in the Bible. 

But since I couldn’t exactly remember, I looked it up. 

On the internet.

Everything on the internet is true.

biblestudytools.com says:

“Hand most frequently represents the ownership, power, or control that its possessor (either an individual or a people) exercises…The hand of God, and especially the right hand, is also understood as a place of salvation, refuge, and protection.”

So when we’re treasuring something worthless (or worthwhile but not of Utmost Importance) above the Treasure, not only are we unknowingly feeding on ashes, we “cannot say,

‘Is not this thing in my right hand a lie?'”

In other words, this thing I think I own, have power and control over…

…is a complete and total lie.

…is dung compared to His right hand – a place of salvation, refuge and protection.

…and will never, ever provide that same salvation, refuge and protection for which I’m yearning.

Scary, isn’t it?

Our idols are junk.

Ashes and lies.

Jesus, You are the One and Only.  Take us by the right hand.  Give us deep, godly sorrow when we put something else in that right hand.  Awaken us when we’re feeding on ashes.  Thank You that You and You alone are our salvation and satisfaction.