Hosea addressed the failures and corruption of culture in his day with words that could easily be spoken to our own. In chapter 4 God presented a quarrel with His people in legal terms as though laying out a case in court. At first He called out what was missing in the lives of the people of God: faithfulness, steadfast love, and knowledge of God. Then He listed the things that were present in daily life: swearing, lying, murder, stealing, wanton adultery, breaking all bounds, and senseless bloodshed. Sadly, what God was calling out in Hosea’s day is all too familiar to our experience as well. The reason for such destruction and rot is the same for us as it was in Hosea’s time: lack of the knowledge of God.
The phrase “knowledge of God” doesn’t mean to simply acknowledge that there is a God or to have some intellectual understanding of God. This kind of knowledge is reflected in the values one holds up and in the lifestyle one leads that honors God’s name. Rejecting that kind of knowledge, according to Hosea, brings only destruction. Left to our own devices as sinful and wayward creatures, we can make a mess of things in a big hurry. In our unfaithfulness and selfish emotions, wreckage and ruin are not far behind despite our best intentions. However, a life-transforming knowledge of God leads and guides at the direction of Jesus Christ and the work of the Holy Spirit that leads to abundant life, full and free, with faithfulness and steadfast love in Christ bearing fruit that will nourish and last.
Paul prayed for the church in Colossae that they would have three things through their faith in Christ: knowledge of God’s will, spiritual wisdom, and understanding. Why? In order to “walk in a manner worthy of the Lord” (Col 1:9-10). That life-giving knowledge of God that does not destroy spoken of in Hosea is available to us now through faith in Jesus Christ. But rejecting that transforming knowledge corrupts and ruins us today as it did in Hosea’s day.
Knowledge of God is found in the pages of the Bible, the living and active word of God, and the work of the Holy Spirit giving us understanding and ability to walk in a manner worthy of Christ. So spend time today with God in studying and applying the Scriptures to cultivate those nourishing spiritual fruits that bring life and not death, vigorous growth and not destruction.
by Parker Bradley, author of The Twelve: A Transformational Journey Through The Minor Prophets
Hi! I simply would like to offer you a big thumbs up for your excellent info you have got right here on this post. I am returning to your blog for more soon. Chiarra Brendan Chladek
Nice post. I learn something totally new and challenging on blogs I stumbleupon everyday. It will always be helpful to read content from other writers and use something from other web sites. Odele Kenn Bevvy
Like!! I blog quite often and I genuinely thank you for your information. The article has truly peaked my interest. Louisa Gustav Sulamith
Heya i am for the first time here. I came across this board and I find It really useful & it helped me out much. I hope to give something back and help others like you helped me.| Fernanda Lenard Oliy
really good message, i definitely like this web site, keep it Tansy Sonnie Monagan
Hello, this weekend is nice in support of me, because this point in time i am reading this fantastic educational post here at my house.| Rozelle Felix Verile
My brother suggested I would possibly like this web site. Cheslie Glendon Colwen
Everything is very open with a clear clarification of the challenges. It was really informative. Your site is useful. Many thanks for sharing!