Hosea 10-14

September 26

Hosea 10-14

Israel, like all people, struggled with walking in obedience to God. They cried out to God when they were in need, but once God delivered them, they turned away from Him. "When I fed them, they were satisfied; when they were satisfied, they became proud; then they forgot me." (Hosea 13:6, NIV) How often do we cry out to God when we are facing a crisis; “God help me.” But as soon as the crisis is gone, so is our desire for God. We don’t want Him to lead our lives, but we want Him to save us when we get in trouble.

 "Return, O Israel, to the Lord your God. Your sins have been your downfall! Take words with you and return to the Lord. Say to him: “Forgive all our sins and receive us graciously, that we may offer the fruit of our lips." (Hosea 14:1-2, NIV) God does not want us just coming to Him when we are in trouble. He wants a relationship with us. The only way for us to have that relationship is for us to turn from our sin and turn to God. If we earnestly seek forgiveness from God, He will give it. "“I will heal their waywardness and love them freely, for my anger has turned away from them." (Hosea 14:4, NIV)

The Book of Hosea reminds us that God loves us and pursues us even when we rebel against Him. We face consequences for our sin, but if we turn to God, He will forgive us of our sin. God does not wait for us to pursue Him, He comes looking for us. We have been bought at a price, Jesus died so we could have a relationship with God. "Who is wise? He will realize these things. Who is discerning? He will understand them. The ways of the Lord are right; the righteous walk in them, but the rebellious stumble in them." (Hosea 14:9, NIV)