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A pattern we see over the past two chapters is God allowing for us to hit a place where we are driven to repentance. Living a life of repentance is not easy, but it is required for our growth.
When I read these verses in Hosea 6, I am reminded of how prone I am to act in my own flesh. I remember how I cannot function the way God intended without his grace in my life. It is so common to go back to my old self and to resist repentance and growth. But as we lean into the pruning, God produces something more beautiful than we could imagine.
Sometimes these passages are difficult to read because they seem as if God is acting harshly toward His people. However, as our Lord and Savior, He has been more than fair in handling our sinful rebellion. Our lives are not a right, but a privilege that He has allowed.
Another theme that sticks out in this chapter is humanity’s attempt to follow God while being sidetracked from His desire for our life. The people of Hosea’s time did not connect their sacrificial system to God’s priority – His desire for love, mercy, and a loyal relationship.
“For I desire steadfast love and not sacrifice,the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings.”
Hosea 6:6
This idea was missed once again in the New Testament as Jesus quoted this passage at least twice during His ministry to the religious leaders of the time (Matthew 9:13 and Matthew 12:7). They believed they were following God but, in reality, had missed the intended purpose of their rituals.
We are lying to ourselves if we think we cannot fall into the same trap. When the heart of God is replaced by cold, ritualistic religion, we become complacent and put our trust in the tradition rather than in Christ. This is why we must open our hearts to the fresh reality of God by getting involved in a loving church family. There we can find accountability, authentic friendships, solid teaching, and new opportunities for growth. If we surround ourselves with “yes people” who will never challenge us, it is very easy to justify compromise and miss the heart of God.