Daily Reading: Hosea Chapter 5 thru Chapter 8

Key Verse: Hosea 6:5-7

In today's reading, it is no secret that God is angry with His people.  Israel has turned away from God.  They have turned towards idols, other people and even towards their own limited knowledge.  We serve a merciful God, but we must not forget that He also is a just God.  When we go against the Word and will of God, the deed does not go unpunished.  God's justice must be met.  If you fully understand salvation through Jesus Christ, then you should understand that God saved us from the wrath that is to come upon this world.  God will judge this world and release His wrath upon those who have not taken the shelter offered by Jesus Christ.  God gives us a glimpse into what He delights in in these verses.  God delights in loyalty rather than sacrifice, and knowledge of Him rather than burnt offerings.  Religious rituals can help us understand God and nourish our relationship with Him.  However, a loving relationship is the foundation.  Without a loving relationship, rituals are empty and meaningless.  Adam is an example of someone who was disloyal to God because He did not have full knowledge of Him.  Fortunately, New Testamet saints have both God's word and His Spirit.  We have access to the Father through Christ.  God has eliminated all excuses for not knowing Him.  What kind of love did that for us?  Jesus is praying for us right now that we are loyal and receive the knowledge of His Father.