PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Hosea 5-6
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
““What can I do with you, Ephraim? What can I do with you, Judah?” (Hosea 6:2)
What strikes me hear is the heart-breaking cry of a loving parent or partner.
I hear this like a parent crying for their child who keeps going back to their drugs.
Though many of the prophets in the bible sound angry, I hear God’s heart-cry.
Their intensity speaks to the intensity of God’s love and desire for love.
God is not a monster, God desires mercy and not sacrifice.
Jesus reveals this loving, grieving heart when he sees Jerusalem.
“You who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were not willing.” (Matthew 23:37)
Do I see God like this, and do I sense Jesus longing to gather me close?
God’s love is not like the morning mist or the early dew – slowly fading.
The Spirit of Jesus is gently looking at me as I read these words.
Do I sense his love for me, and maybe his frustration with certain parts of my life?
The Spirit is doing something with me, helping me to grow in faithful love.
Am I willing, am I participating, or is my devotion sometimes fading – like morning mist?
PRAYER
Lord, I can relate to fading mist. My time with you in the morning is often strong, but through the day it starts to fade. Thank you for your unfading love.
“Come, let us return to the Lord. He has torn us to pieces but he will heal us; he has injured us but he will bind up our wounds…For I desire mercy, not sacrifice, and acknowledgment of God rather than burnt offerings ” Even with all the prophecies of death and destruction – meted out as punishment – there is a call to return to the Lord – that His punishment does not last forever. But God is looking for hearts that sincerely acknowledge and not acts of worship – following rituals etc. These can be helpful but must come from within – a desire in my heart to worship and serve Him. Thank you Lord for being close to me – how can I live without you!
All too often I seek the Lord in times of difficulty. When life is good, I seem to walk alone and my hand is not in His hand to lead and guide me. Yet I need that comfort. I need to seek His face throughout the day. I need to feel that I am always living in His presence and I need to prayerfully continue to walk with Him always. Where did I see God throughout the day? I need to continually seek Him throughout the day.
1
Seek ye first the kingdom of God
And His righteousness;
And all these things shall be added unto you.
Hallelu, Hallelujah!
2
Ask, and it shall be given unto you;
Seek, and you shall find.
Knock, and it shall be opened unto you.
Hallelu, Hallelujah!
3
Man shall not live by bread alone,
But by every word
That proceeds out from the mouth of God.
Hallelu, Hallelujah!