Mercy

O. T. #2045   "Mercy"

Oct. 13, 2021

Hosea 6-Part 2

For I desired mercy, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings. (verse 6)

LET IT GLOW

Legalistic Israel piled up sacrifices and burnt offerings to God, but they withheld their mercy and made little or no effort to know God. For that, they stood condemned.

What is pleasing to God? Mercy and the knowledge of God. We tend to want God to show us mercy, and we little show mercy to others.

Will we be merciful to others today?

 

LET IT GROW

There is coming a day when God will restore Israel back to their land, a third time. Ezekiel 37 spoke about it, when they will be redeemed and justified through the blood of Jesus. Then Israel will have a right relationship with Almighty God.

Paul spoke of it in Romans 11, when people out of every tongue and tribe and nation will come before God to worship. This is the Millennial reign of Christ as King.

In the meantime, what is God going to do with Israel and Judah?

• He gave them prophets. (verse 5)
• He saw their transgressions of the covenant, external religious formalism and idolatry. (verse 7)
• He saw their religious leaders lead them into sin. (verses 8-9)
• He would not put up with the disobedience of Israel. (verse 10)
• He saw their idolatry in the house of God. (verse 10)
• Judah would be no better than Israel, although 130 years before Babylon conquers them Judah. (verse 11)

LET IT GO

Be merciful to me a sinner, God.

Help me show mercy to others.