Hosea 6: Grace like Rain

​“Come, let us return to the Lord; for he has torn us, that he may heal us; he has struck us down, and he will bind us up. 2 After two days he will revive us; on the third day he will raise us up, that we may live before him. 3 Let us know; let us press on to know the Lord; his going out is sure as the dawn; he will come to us as the showers, as the spring rains that water the earth.” 4 What shall I do with you, O Ephraim? What shall I do with you, O Judah? Your love is like a morning cloud, like the dew that goes early away. 5 Therefore I have hewn them by the prophets; I have slain them by the words of my mouth, and my judgment goes forth as the light.
 
6 For I desire steadfast love and not sacrifice, the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings. 7 But like Adam they transgressed the covenant; there they dealt faithlessly with me. 8 Gilead is a city of evildoers, tracked with blood. 9 As robbers lie in wait for a man, so the priests band together; they murder on the way to Shechem; they commit villainy. 10 In the house of Israel I have seen a horrible thing; Ephraim's whoredom is there; Israel is defiled. 11 For you also, O Judah, a harvest is appointed.
 
Meditation
God’s covenant faithfulness is the only thing that fills our soul to satisfaction.
 
Israel had rejected the Lord through worshipping Baal, a Canaanite god of fertility. An aspect of Baal worship was crediting the false god with sun and showers that give fruitfulness to the earth. Israel had forgotten famous episodes of history such as Elijah’s humiliation of Baal’s prophets (1 Kings 18). As creator, God alone rules over nature and brings rain. As redeemer, “He will come to us as the showers, as the spring rains that cover the earth.” (3)
 
As Gomer returned to Hosea, God’s grace invites His people to return to Him for restoration (1), revival, (2), and refreshment (3). God desires mercy and meaningful relationship far more than religious performance, (6) but like Adam we have all rejected God and His word (7). God’s people have transgressed God’s covenant, but God remains faithful to His covenant promises and purposes.
 
The pattern Hosea uses for this prophecy points to the person and work of Jesus. Jesus was torn so in Him believers can be restored. Jesus died and on the third day was resurrected so in Him believers can be revived. Jesus showed His love through sacrifice so we can know His love in relationship, refreshed and renewed by His grace.
 
“Come, let us return to the Lord” is the invitation from your Creator and Redeemer. God’s covenant love alone provides the fulfillment our souls seek, the security we need, the significance we are longing for, and the abundant life we are created to live.
 
Richly Dwelling
-What stands out to you from today’s reading, from the contrast with Baal worship or the covenant love of the King?
 
-What do you prioritize, your religious performance or the work of God in Jesus whereby you are moved to show mercy and know Him more?
 
-How does the finished work of Jesus seal this invitation of Scripture, securing believers to “return to the Lord” by rejoicing in His grace that falls like rain? Where (specifically) do you need to embrace this reality?

Key Verse
3 Let us know; let us press on to know the Lord; his going out is sure as the dawn; he will come to us as the showers, as the spring rains that water the earth.”