Read chapter in full: biblegateway.com/passage/?version=ESV&search=Hosea+006

 

Hosea 6 (ESV)

1 “Come, let us return to the Lord;
for he has torn us, that he may heal us;
he has struck us down, and he will bind us up.
2 After two days he will revive us;
on the third day he will raise us up,
that we may live before him.
3 Let us know; let us press on to know the Lord;
his going out is sure as the dawn;
he will come to us as the showers,
as the spring rains that water the earth.”

4 What shall I do with you, O Ephraim?
What shall I do with you, O Judah?
Your love is like a morning cloud,
like the dew that goes early away.
5 Therefore I have hewn them by the prophets;
I have slain them by the words of my mouth,
and my judgment goes forth as the light.
6 For I desire steadfast love and not sacrifice,
the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings.

 

REFLECTION:

• Chapter 6 verses 1 to 3 is the author’s record of the saying among the people. It is an assumption of the Israelites, not a true confession. The people didn’t understand the seriousness of the sins they had committed. They did not stay away from their idols, nor did they confess their sins and change their past. They thought that the wrath of God would pass for a few days (2), but they did not expect that the Israelites would be taken into captivity soon. Israel is only interested in the material benefits provided by God, but does not value the eternal benefits that come from worshiping the true God. However, before criticizing Israel, please take a look at our own attitude. What do you hope to get from your faith? Do you confess lightly but never seriously think about the changes you need in your life?
• God replied to His people, pointing out that their confession of allegiance is like a cloud and dew, which disappears in a blink of an eye hence meaningless (4). Superficial faithfulness without genuine commitment to God’s is easy. If you want to take an oath of loyalty to God, use your actions to support your declaration!
• Religious ceremonies can help people understand God and promote their relationship with God. This is why God established the ritual of circumcision and sacrifice in the Old Testament, and the baptism and Holy Communion in the New Testament. However, only with a heart of love and obedience to God can this religious ritual be helpful to people; if one’s heart is far away from God, fulfilling this ritual is also empty and futile (6). What God wants is not the rituals of the Israelites, but their hearts. Why do you worship? What is the motivation behind your “sacrifice” and “burnt offering”?

 

PRAYER:

Examine before God whether your confession is sincere. Is there is any change in behavior after confession, or you repent but sin against God again? Ask God to let you know that He loves your goodness more than your sacrifices; He loves you to know Him more than your burnt offerings.

 

HYMN: