HOSEA 14
The book of Hosea writes about Israel's unfaithfulness to God. He mentions multiple times throughout how Israel lacks “knowledge” and “understanding” of God – but he’s not talking about just the intellectual knowledge and understanding of God but also about the personal knowing and deep relational understanding of God.
HEAR:
Listen to God. Specifically think about:
Israel put their false allegiance and faith in political alliances like Assyria but Assyria turned on the Israelites (v3). Examine your heart and let the Holy Spirit to reveal where your false allegiances lie.
God is the fruit producer (v8) and in John 15, Jesus says, “The one who remains in me and I in him produces much fruit, because you can do nothing without me.” Reflect on God’s goodness and that He is in ultimate control of our lives.
In verse 2, Hosea commands Israel to “take words of repentance” and then to “praise from our lips.” Consider your words and how they have honored or dishonored God.
RESPOND:
Hosea chapter 3 says “the people of Israel will return and seek the Lord their God and David their king. They will come with awe to the Lord and to his goodness in the last days.” And then in chapter 11, the Lord says, “when Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called my son. How can I give you up? How can I surrender you? Although Israel kept idols and had rejected what is good, God loved Israel so dearly that he knew from the beginning a plan of restoration for them.
Respond to God in prayer. Here are some handles to help guide you:
Praise God for being slow to anger (v4) because just like Israel, we too have turned from God.
Hosea ends the chapter by saying, “Let whoever is wise understand these things.” Ask the Holy Spirit to give you wisdom to understand and have knowledge of God’s full character and power.
Cast a vision that the city of Boston would return to God and receive a promise of restoration just as Israel has.
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