I continue my study of Hosea, and my focus this morning is Hosea 6:1-11, where God continues to describe Israel's unfaithfulness, while also pointing to Jesus and how He restores. Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method.
- What do we learn from the text about God?: Vv1-3: God shares an exhortation that Israel repent from her unfaithfulness - to "return to the Lord." Their return promises healing and points to Jesus with new life on the third day. They are encouraged to endure and know the Lord and His faithfulness despite our own unfaithfulness. V5: God cuts, carves, and shapes Israel as He pronounces His judgement and discipline upon them. V6: He makes clear that superficial acts of ceremony (sacrifice) are not what God seeks - He seeks our heart, and a heart that seeks to know, love, and please Him (vs ceremonial acts performed as rote without a heart for God. See also Matthew 9:13 and 12:7 where Jesus challenges religious leaders to understand God and His intent of the law.
- What do we learn from the text about people?: V4: Israel's (and Judah) love for God and faithfulness fail to endure - instead going away early in the day. Israel's sin is further described in vv7-10 - faithless, evildoers, robbers, murderous, villainy, whoredom, and defilement.
- Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): We must not perform empty rituals of worship when our heart is not earnestly seeking Him. We should claim the promise that God gives new life and restores us if we return to Him. We should follow the example of David, the prodigal son, Paul, and so many others who repented of their sin and returned to Him. With a contrite heart, earnestly seek Him.
My Prayer: Father God, thank You for saving me, for giving me new life, and for restoring me. I am not deserving of my salvation nor any of the blessings You pour out for me daily. My sin is great and it continues...daily. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
