Scripture:
Hosea 6:1-3 NKJV
[1] Come, and let us return to the Lord; For He has torn, but He will heal us; He has stricken, but 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 in His sight. [3] Let us know, Let us pursue the knowledge of the Lord. His going forth is established as the morning; He will come to us like the rain, Like the latter and former rain to the earth.
Observation:
I used to relate to Hosea a lot because I had a situation in my life that was a lot like his story. I believe that the LORD gave him an understanding of what it was like to love like HE does. I want to give just a little backstory so we can understand that statement. Hosea was told by GOD to marry a woman who would not treat him right she would not be faithful to him and would reject any kind of love that he offered. Yet Hosea would just not give up. He would pursue her to the point of buying her back after she was sold into slavery with that last little bit of four he had. Now that sounds like a redemption story, something similar to what GOD did for us, loving us even though we rejected HIM to the point of giving HIS one and only son to buy us back from slavery to sin. Now, let’s dig in. Most Bibles these days have a heading over portions of scripture that help us identify what they are about to go over. In this portion, the heading was “A call to repentance.” Looking at the first verse, you can see that playing out. Hosea is making the suggestion that there be a return to the LORD. Without a falling away, there is no need for a return. The on-set of natural consequences had caused some damage to the Israelites, and Hosea had watched it all happen. His plea was for their benefit. Turn to the LORD, and HE will restore us. In verse 2, he paints a picture of a timeline to give the Israelites the idea that it won’t take forever they just need to act on it now. Turn and repent, and the LORD will heal and restore. Verse 3 is the foundation for this morning’s SOAP. Hosea knows that the LORD’S heart is breaking because the people are rejecting HIM, yet if they turn repent, and chase after the knowledge of the LORD. Things would change. GOD would send the rain needed for spiritual growth. In the latter part of the year as well as the early part of the year. The increase would come if the pursuit was the LORD.
Application:
All too often, we get caught up in pursuing the wrong things… money, work, success, and so many other things can steal our attention away from the one thing that matters. Spending time with the one who knew your name before you ever took your first breath. Chasing after the plans HE has for you. Pursuing the LORD and HIS knowledge and wisdom is a discipline that takes time to develop, but honestly, the rewards are well worth it. My life honestly started to change in a way that I could not truly understand when I made the intentional decision to put the pursuit of the LORD as my number 1 priority. I had been saved for about 7 years and had been able to read through the Bible. But only at a sufficient level. Only digging into the fluffy verses. You know the ones that made me feel good. But GOD’S word runs so much deeper than just that. Yes, HE has a plan for us. Yes, it’s a good plan. It will prosper us and give us a future that will not only reinstall hope in us but allow others to have hope as well. If we are willing to turn from what we think we want… it usually leads to more pain and heartache, and it turns to seek after what HE wants for us. Our lives would start to make sense, and the troubles we made for ourselves would become clear. YAHWAH is GOD. Pursuing HIS knowledge will benefit your life. Reading the bible and studying HIS word to find out what exactly HE wants from you will benefit you in ways you never thought possible. Praying for the willingness to be obedient to what HE wants as well. Because with our understanding, it’s not going to look like it’s going to work. HIS ways are not our ways. HIS thoughts are not our thoughts. Consistent seeking and pursuit are necessary to produce spiritual growth. You can’t rest on what you know. There is always a next with the LORD. Remember, HE is moving you into the promised land.
Prayer:
Father, we want you. We want to cling to you to crawl up in your lap and say Abba. We know that you are a good Father, and although we may not understand your way, we ask that you help us to pursue them. Show us how submission brings salvation and obedience produces blessings. We want your favor in our lives. We want to live a life of pursuit. Chasing after you as you mold and shape us. Your word is the light to our path and the lamp to our feet. Give us the wisdom you want us to live by. So that our lives can be a beacon of hope for all those we come into contact with its in the mighty name of Jesus, I pray amen.