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In Order. Restored Relationship

Hosea 1-7

Restored Relationship

Sometimes it is our fault.  Those are words that we struggle with.  We do not like to hear or admit that a bad situation we are dealing with is our fault.  It is painful to look back at something we did years ago, and admit that the situation we are dealing with today is the direct result of that choice, our choice. It is even more painful, when the bad situation has to do with our relationship with God. 

God has Hosea, the prophet, telling His people about the horrible relationship that exists between Him and His people.  He describes the relationship using the ugly term, adultery.  As a result of this ugly relationship here is God’s description of their behavior. 

6:7 But like men (Adam) they transgressed the covenant; There they dealt treacherously with Me.

There is this awful relationship between God and His people, and it is their fault.  What is both amazing and very encouraging is that God still wants a wonderful relationship with His people.  He says so in these picturesque words of love.

2:14 Therefore, behold, I will allure her (His people), Will bring her into the wilderness, And speak comfort to her. 

19 I will betroth you to Me forever; Yes, I will betroth you to Me In righteousness and justice, In lovingkindness and mercy;

20 I will betroth you to Me in faithfulness, And you shall know the Lord. 

When it comes to what God desires of His people, in the relationship, He specifically tells us:

6:6 For I desire mercy (faithfulness) and not sacrifice, And the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings. 

Simply put, He just desires for us to know more and more about Him, as God, and to be more and more faithful to Him.  In other words, not more “actions,” but more of a relationship like we would see in a good marriage.

So often when our relationship with God goes bad, because of us, we feel hopeless.  Here God is encouraging us that not only is it not hopeless, but He takes the initiative to restore it so we can continue in a relationship of knowing Him and being faithful to Him.

Instead of remaining in a state of hopelessness, here is an example to follow:

6:1 Come, and let us return to the Lord; For He has torn, but He will heal us; He has stricken, but He will bind (bandage) us up. 

3 Let us know, Let us pursue the knowledge of the Lord. 

Forget hopelessness and be encouraged that as you are spending this time reading His word, it is more than that just reading.  It is enabling you to return and know the Lord so He can heal you and bandage you up, because He loves His relationship with you. 

Robert McClendon

Bob McClendon grew up in Pennsylvania, spent most of his adulthood in Colorado, and is now ready to learn how to be a Texan. He married his high school sweetheart, Tracy, in 1975. They have two...more