7/3/2012
Hosea 6
-“Come let us return to the LORD. For He has torn us, but He
will heal us; He has wounded us, but He will bandage us (Hosea 6:1).” *Application*
This returning is a constant theme in Scripture and is required for a
relationship with the One and Only God of the Universe. It is His desire to
raise us up, to make us live before Him, and for us to press on to know Him
(Hosea 6:2-3). He wants to come to us as spring rain and revive what was dead
and dying. This is His plan. This is why He created us. He has no pleasure in
our destruction (Psalm 5:4, Ezekiel 33:11).
-His question for the wayward and disloyal Ephraim and Judah
is relevant and systematic. They have turned away from their Husband and been
warned by His prophets with His words to no avail. Therefore, His judgments are
on them as light that goes forth (Hosea 6:5). *Application* Light has that
cleansing quality of purging the darkness. It illuminates what was unknown. One
of Hosea’s themes is the lack of knowledge of the Most Holy. God’s punishment
brings back His light on us, so welcome His correction when it comes. It is
really for our benefit and instruction.
-The LORD’s point is this…He delights in loyalty rather than
sacrifice and knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings (Hosea 6:6).
*Application* You’ve probably heard it said, “Love is never having to say I’m
sorry.” This kind of relationship is what our God wants from us. He wants us to
know Him and be steadfast in our devotion for Him without wavering. He wants
all of us, not just a part (1 Kings 8:61). This begins in the heart and will
disperse throughout everything you do beautifully as a living sacrifice (Romans
12:1-2).
-God reveals a prophecy at the end of this chapter
concerning Judah almost out of the blue and out of place. He speaks of “harvest”
and “fortunes” for His people in a positive light after pronouncing so much
judgment on both Israel and Judah in the previous verses. *Application* This
may seem confusing, but we must remember God’s promises and realize that not
one of His good words will fall to the ground. He predestines and carries out
His plan of salvation through Jesus Christ through the tribe of Judah, and His
redemption is brought forth in the city of Jerusalem as the Christ dies and
rises again for the sins of mankind. This remnant of hope is always evident, although
it at times is scant, in the prophecies of the Old Testament. Through it all,
God is at work to restore and bring a harvest and fortune to those who will
believe in Him and His goodness (Hosea 6:11).
Verse to Memorize:
Hosea 6:1
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