In Hosea 6 & 7 the prophet describes what often goes on in the heart of a backslider who wants to come back into fellowship with God. Let’s do a fact finding study of these chapters.
Who is involved? Hosea, rebellious Israelites and a gracious God.
What is the message? If we want to restore a relationship with God, we must recognize God’s character: He is love. Then we must genuinely repent, expressing a deep desire to know God and have confidence He will embrace us. The prophet warns: We humans are prone to make shallow commitments like morning dew, be half-baked like a flat cake not turned, deceived like a dove that flits here and there, and often miss our target, like shooting arrows with a faulty or crooked bow.
When did this take place? After Hosea illustrated God’s desire for reconciliation by buying his adulterous wife out of the prostitute slave market and restoring her as his wife.
Where did this take place? Probably in Damascus.
Why was the message given? Israel’s rebellion crossed the line, causing God to retreat to His place and wait until they admit their guilt and seek His face, Hosea 5:15.
How does the message affect Israel? Their initial response was to seek the Lord, Hosea 6:1-3, “Come, let us return to the Lord…Let’s acknowledge the Lord; let’s press on to (genuinely experience) him.”
Do that and you’ll be reconciled to God.
