If you were to read the little book of Hosea, you would find a troubling story of Israel. Hosea was pushed to write about God’s people leaving Him and committing spiritual adultery. The beginning of the book is not unique from most old testament books, for it begins with God sending a man on a mission. The mission was for Hosea to take a woman of promiscuous backgrounds, and to pledge faithfulness unto her in marriage (Hos. 1:2). This bond was to represent the bond that God had with His people. Israel had forsook the creator of Heaven and Earth time and time again, yet God was willing to take them back. God was willing to have compassion on Judah, and to begin to reconcile with His people (Hos. 1:7). It is an unusual love story that speaks to God’s mercy and grace.
Yet, the entirety of the book of Hosea might be summarized in the statement he would make in chapter 4. Hosea declared, “Listen to the word of the Lord, O sons of Israel, For the Lord has a case against the inhabitants of the land, Because there is no faithfulness or kindness Or knowledge of God in the land” (Hos. 4:1). This description of the land doesn’t sound unfamiliar to our world today. We live in a world where there is no faithfulness in the workplace, in marriage, and even in assemblies of the Lord’s church. Maybe the lack of kindness in our world affects our thinking. Sadly, there are many loud voices in the Churches of Christ who have become unkind with their approach to doctrine and fellowship. Many have forgotten the admonition Paul made to “speak the truth in love” (Eph. 4:15). But perhaps our world and culture has so drastically changed where there is a growing number of people who are unaware of the God of the Bible. Our culture dictates that we are each our own God, and that we should live as free spirited as possible. Yet, perhaps it is a lack of knowledge of God, His power, and His mercy that causes the problems we often deal with. Hosea would pen this sentiment, saying, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I also will reject you from being My priest. Since you have forgotten the law of your God, I also will forget your children” (Hos. 4:6). The Bible is clear that respecting God is the beginning of wisdom (Prov. 9:10).
Our world is being destroyed because the most important things in life have been missing. It would do us good to admit and recognize that our world has been “weighed in the balances and found wanting” (Dan. 5:27). It is of utmost necessity that God’s people be found sufficient and pleasing in God’s sight so that we can make an impact on our lacking land. How can you do that? Keep your promises and commitments. Treat people as you would like to be treated. Allow your study of scripture to arrange the actions and ambitions of you life. Look to others for advice and support. Let’s be the people who are not found wanting, but are helping our world through the riches we have in Christ. May you and I live for God and His Glory!