Dear Diary,
#The_Superficial_Search
Have you ever met people who hop from one church/fellowship to another or are you one of them? Recently I met one and I asked him, “…aah, but why are you relentlessly hopping from one church to another?” His answer, “I couldn’t find God there!”
In Hosea chapter 5, God isn’t impressed by Israel’s superficial deeds and search for Him. Their deeds were not directed to Him; their pride testified against them; they were not faithful in their hearts and they didn’t acknowledge God, Hosea 5:4-5. In fact, Hosea 6:4 tells us that their faithfulness quickly dissipated like the early morning dew. Their worship and search for God were superficial, Hosea 5:6. The spiritual leaders changed the godly standards to their advantage thinking they could get away with it, v.10. Aware of their sickness, God’s people turned to Assyria for help instead of turning to God, v.13!
#The_Repercussion
Consequently, God withdrew Himself from them, Hosea 5:6. Left alone, they were vulnerable to enemy’s attacks and desolation, v.8-9. In subtle and obvious ways, God’s judgment came upon His people. he became to them like a moth and a lion, both brought about destruction, v.14-15. Ultimately, they missed God’s heart because they focused on and pursued superficial things.
What must we do not to miss the heart of God?
God is calling us: to return to Him, to humbly respond to His loving correction, Hosea 6:1; to genuinely acknowledge Him, v.3; and to genuine and enduring faithfulness, v.4. He is calling us to genuinely pursue the knowledge of God (Hosea 4:6 tells us that God’s people perish for lack of knowledge). God would rather have a contrite heart and a broken spirit, full of mercy, than sacrifice, and acknowledgment of God rather than burnt offerings, v.6.
When our search for the knowledge of God is not superficial, He reveals Himself and we receive restoration, 6:2. “As surely as the sun rises, He will appear; He will come to us like the winter rains like the spring rains that water the earth,” v.3.
Yours faithful scribbler,
NzakuNashipae
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