Hosea

[jehoshabeath]

Hosea is a very interesting book. I read it this afternoon and we discussed it at the Siloam meeting tonight. It speaks a lot of acknowledging God, and two passages in particular struck me. These are below. Also, the imagery is so vivid and very piercing. I didn't want to admit it, but I was/am no better than Israel, lost to idolatry, forsaking the fountain of living water. I was/am so ignorant and rebellious and unclean, yet God calls me into a real relationship of knowing Him very clearly. He wants me to see Him. As I said in testimony sharing, 'If the Word of God is forever and purer than seven-times-refined silver, why do I fill my heart with such vain and empty things? Why do I fill my heart on that which is passing? Why do I not take value and truth, into my heart so I might be beautiful?' Revelation 3:18 - "I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see."

"Let us acknowledge the LORD;
let us press on to acknowledge him.
As surely as the sun rises,
he will appear;
he will come to us like the winter rains,
like the spring rains that water the earth." Hosea 6:3

"I will betroth you to me forever;
I will betroth you in righteousness and justice,
in love and compassion.
I will betroth you in faithfulness,
and you will acknowledge the LORD." Hosea 2:19