Return, Know, and Press On

O. T. #2044 "Return, Know, and Press On"

Oct. 12, 2021

Hosea 6

For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.  (2 Peter 1:21)

LET IT GLOW

When I first began reading this chapter, I got excited-Israel return to the LORD God. However, the more I read, my mind changed. You know, God is always ready to receive and forgive us when we repent and return to Him. When we are young, we often go our own way, doing our own thing, enjoying the pleasures of this world. But when we get older, we realize those things were only empty as they required our time and energy. Gadgets come and go, people come and go, life washes away years and what do we have to show for it? Unless we are anchored to Jesus, our boat of life sails on a troubled sea, always. He never changes; His love never fails; He never leaves us alone to face whatever. But Israel did not learn that lesson. They turned away from God and turned to empty idols made of wood and stone, that did not live, nor cared about them.

With that said, let's jump into the Word. In returning, Israel knew God could heal them, bandage their wounds, and restore them so they could live in His presence. (verses 1-2)

Oh, that we might know the LORD! Let us press on to know Him. (verse 3, NLT)

Hosea is looking down the road after the captivities of Israel and Judah, when a remnant recognizes Jesus Christ as the Savior, the Son of God. One day they will be converted. (Jeremiah 31:31-34) God will set up His Millennial Kingdom and reign for a thousand years in Jerusalem and the whole earth. The entire nation we change then.

Friend, do we press on to know God? So many of you do, for you have continued with me through the study of the Old Testament. Thank you. I know how difficult it is to grow in faith with so many distractions, troubles, ungodly people around us.

LET IT GROW

Those who did not understand the depth of their sins, were presumptuous. Those in Hosea's day did not turn from idols, regret their sins, nor pledge to make changes. Maybe they thought God's anger against them would only last a few days. They were only interested in what God could do for them, not worshiping a Merciful God. Look at verse 2:

After two days He will bind us up, the third day He will raise us up, and we shall live in His sight.

Lest we judge Israel too harshly, what do we hope to gain from our religion? Do we repent easily without making changes in our life?

Hosea was referring to the supremely truth of Jesus Christ, whom God raised on the third day according to the Scriptures. (1 Cor. 15:4)

What will you do with this Jesus? Will you worship Him as the King of Glory and the King of your life?

LET IT GO

Thank You precious Jesus for taking my place on the cross.

Thank You for providing me salvation, redemption, and hope of eternal life by faith in You alone, Jesus.

Bind us, raise us, so we can live in Your presence daily.

Give us a hunger to know You more.

* Our purpose is to know, love, and serve God. (Adrian Rogers)