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Hosea and Knowing God - Hosea 8
Hosea and Knowing God - Hosea 8
Hosea wrote some 2700 years ago. Reading his words show that things haven't changed much as far as people go. "They cry out to Me, "My God, we of Israel know You!". All the while God is taking note of how they act towards Him:
They transgressed My covenant and rebelled against My Law (8:1)
They have set up kings, but not by Me (8:4)
They have made idols for themselves (8:4)
"Though I wrote for him ten thousand precepts of My law, they are regarded as a strange thing" (8:12).
In spite of their affirmations, they do NOT know God. They refuse to acknowledge God AS GOD. They worship God while holding onto their idols, rejecting God's instructions, and walking in their own chosen ways.
They 'acknowledged' God, at least, in word. They worshiped God offering sacrifices but not from a pure heart of devotion. Such shallow religion was rejected by God. The LORD states: "For I delight in loyalty rather than sacrifice, And in the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings." (Hosea 6:6). Yet the LORD declares: "they do not know the LORD" (5.4).
Was there a way of escaping judgment? Even in their stubborn rebellion, God said: I will go away and return to My place Until they acknowledge their guilt and seek My face;…" (5:15).
They apostle John declared: "By this we know that we have come to know Him, if we keep His commandments. The one who says, “I have come to know Him,” and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him;". (1 John 2:3–4). Jesus asked: "Why do you call me Lord! Lord! And do not the things that I say?" (Luke 6:46). People stay claim to know God while rejecting His commandments. They still claim to know God and hold on to the idols of their hearts. People yet take consolation in the deceitfulness of their hearts.
Real knowledge of God translates itself into awe, trust, obedience, godliness, and holiness. The way of escape is still before us: acknowledge your guilt and seek God. Have you examined your heart lately?
Hugh DeLong
