Deeper Reflection
The book of Hosea marks a time when Israel descended into moral decay following an era of peace and prosperity since the days of Solomon.² The prophet Hosea called Israel to forsake their idols, return to the Lord and be faithful to Him, and warned of the impending judgment to come if they persisted in sin.³ The religious and political leaders were themselves leading the people astray and away from the Lord; therefore He will judge them all (vv.1-2, 10). Israel needed to decisively turn towards God and seek Him – the God who loves them like a faithful husband who loves His wife despite her unfaithfulness.⁴To truly seek the Lord, we must be willing to acknowledge our sins of idolatry and disobedience, and repent of our unfaithfulness, wickedness and moral failures. ⁵   The practice of such sins is contrary to the knowledge of God. God is not deceived; He knows when His people practise sin while simultaneously performing acts of worship like singing, praying and reciting His words. Externally, all may look well, but in reality, the decay and rot have already set in. Do we know our true spiritual condition? Do we reckon with who God is and what He requires of us? Do we sincerely cry out to God in repentance of our sins? Do we earnestly yearn to return wholeheartedly to Him?If we truly seek the Lord, His light will shine in our hearts. With cleansed and purified hearts, we will deeply desire that God’s Kingdom come and His will be done on earth as in heaven. Only then can we disciple the nations.

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² The ESV Classic Reference Edition, 2007, Crossway Bibles, Hosea: Introduction, 895. ³ Ibid. ⁴ Hosea 2:14-23 ⁵ Hosea 4:1-2.