06.13.2023 Looking for God Again

“Come on, let’s go back to God. He hurt us, but he’ll heal us.

 He hit us hard, but he’ll put us right again.

 In a couple of days we’ll feel better.

 By the third day he’ll have made us brand-new,

 Alive and on our feet, fit to face him.

 We’re ready to study God, eager for God-knowledge.

 As sure as dawn breaks, so sure is his daily arrival.

 He comes as rain comes, as spring rain refreshing the ground.”

“What am I to do with you, Ephraim? What do I make of you, Judah?

 Your declarations of love last no longer than morning mist and predawn dew.

 That’s why I use prophets to shake you to attention, why my words cut you to the quick: To wake you up to my judgment blazing like light.

 I’m after love that lasts, not more religion. I want you to know God, not go to more prayer meetings. You broke the covenant—just like Adam!

 You broke faith with me—ungrateful wretches!

Today's devotional begins with two conversations: the first is with the people and the prophet. The second is God speaking to the two tribes, Ephraim and Judah, in response to their seeking Him again.

In the first dialogue, Hosea encourages the people to return to their relationship with God. He reminds them how God will heal them, make them right again and their restoration will happen quickly. After three days they will be made brand new! Many commentators believe this is a reference to Jesus' reconciling all sinners to God following His resurrection. The people are 'alive and on their feet', ready to study God, eager for God-knowledge. Surely as the coming of each new day, God will be there for healing, refreshment and restoration.

God's response is not what they wanted to hear. God tells them that their love is like dew, it disappears quickly, He shares why He uses prophets to speak to the people but they don't listen. They desire to pursue their own hearts not God's. God declares that He desires long-term (eternal) relationships, not religion. God doesn't want to hear their unending wish-lists of we wants, we need, please do. God reminds the people that they've broken the covenant, just like Adam. He ends by calling them ungrateful wretches.

 Lord, I pray that I will never hear the words You gave these Israelites. And yet, I have turned away from You by my thoughts, words and even actions. I have my 'self-centered times in life and my pity-parties'. I repent of these and seek a deep abiding relationship with You. I give You thanks for the reconciling ministry of Jesus, knowing that He washes me clean. I seek an eternal relationship with You. Amen

 If you look at the world, you'll be distressed. If you look within, you'll be depressed. If you look at God you'll be at rest.

 ― Corrie Ten Boom

God will not look you over for medals, degrees or diplomas but for scars.