Hosea 4:9
And it will be: Like people, like priests.
I will punish both of them for their ways
In class this morning, we discussed the Prophet Hosea [side note: I really like this class — surprise, surprise]. The professor gave a big lead-in to a discussion on Hosea 4:9. All throughout Hosea, God is clearly upset at the Israelites and their behavior. But here in 4:9, Hosea lays down the ultimate challenge from God to pastors: the people are failing because they were taught poorly.
The Prof mentioned that he has heard a lot of conversation lately about the lack of need for theological education before someone enters Church ministry. Paul, he said, spent 11 years. Jesus Christ spent 30 years before He did anything. Do we think we are smarter than them?
Sure, we as Baptists believe that we are all ministers, that every person of faith has a connection to our Creator and an obligation to serve. But pastors will have a need to “shepherd the flock” and providing teaching help.
As tired and as frustrated as I am now being in my 20th year of school, ready to get out into the working world, it was a timely message that I needed to hear. I’m grateful for the things I have learned and the simultaneous “real world” experiences I have had. I am still ready to not sit in class, but I sincerely hope I will continue to harness a lifelong interest in learning. And I certainly expect to encourage anyone I meet to pursue theological education before or during their church ministry. It really is good stuff.
