Do not forget the cake in the oven; it will get burned

It has been said that as long as you have influence over one or more people, you are a leader. With that comes responsibility. You certainly do not want the person(s) you are leading to do the wrong things, or do the right things the wrong way. As a leader, people are watching you. They catch more from what they see you do, than what you say. Have you tried to bake a cake? Did it come out good, or was it burnt? The leaders of Israel were given this picture alluding to the fact that the people of Israel were following their example.

Hosea 7:6-7

They prepare their heart like an oven, While they lie in wait; Their baker sleeps all night; In the morning it burns like a flaming fire. They are all hot, like an oven, And have devoured their judges; All their kings have fallen. None among them calls upon Me.

What was Israel trying to bake? The oven is heated and the cake with leaven is burned on one side. They have forgotten to turn the cake. They have forgotten God. They rely on everyone else but God. The Assyrians and Egyptians. In the final analysis, the people suffer because their leaders go wayward and lead the people wrongly. Are you baking for a disaster? The leaders of Israel did.

Again, I am reminded that as a leader I am accountable to God for what I do and how I lead. My life is a role model, and unless I do right I will be left with a burnt cake.

Father, help me to reflect You.

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