Take Two: Hosea 6, Proverbs 9

The activities in Chapter 6 through the end of the book can be a bit confusing unless you see it as a big unit...rather than chapter by chapter. Remember, the chapters were added for the sake of reading...later. Hosea did not sit down and write in chapters. He wrote a book. Why do I say this?
Because in Chapter 5 (and before) we were talking about the sins and God's judgment. In the first 3 verses of Chapter 6, we see a repentent people...but then the theme of their rebellion/falling away is resumed.

Don't miss the forest for the trees. Hosea is not having a bad day...full of chapters where he keeps going back to "sin and judgment." He wrote a book on sin and judgment...and God forgiveness for those who would receive His merciful grace. We added the chapters and (because we live in the era we do- 2700 years after this was written) we think that Hosea can't let it go. That is not the case. Anyway...here goes.

In vv.1-3 we see the people respond to God's judgment. The punishment has had its intended effect. As a result of the judgment, the people have reexamined their situation and have decided to return to God. V.3 is neat because the characteristic that they point to is God's unchangable character. Let us know Him...is a recognition of the fact that the only hope that there was...was to return to God.

God indicts their actions in v.4, noting that their new direction and commitment to Him...was as the morning dew and the early fog. In other words, their commitment level to God is less about becoming enamored with God and yielding fully and completely to Him...and is more about turning to God so He will fix their issues. (It is fleeting and will be gone when the sun comes up.)vv.6-7 continue the idea when God states that His delight is in their choosing to follow Him (loyalty) and not in their offerings to absolve their sins (sacrifice). God certainly wants His people to return to Him, repent, respond with sacrifice for sin (He gave them the instructions)...but He wants it done with the right heart. His people, on the other hand, were looking for relief from their circumstances. Just as with Adam, following God was important, but the greatest motivation was self-interest.

This section probably comments on the state of the hearts of many "church people" today. Some may be Christians...living lives that are not fully fulfilling. Others, are just religious...hoping that by doing the religious activity, it might offset the bad they have done in their sinfulness. Either way, there are many people who have sought God through religious activity in order to get something for themselves. While there is a personal benefit to being right with God...seeking God for ones own personal benefit does not equal the commitment that God is looking for. Those that come to the Lord, do so knowing that they have nothing to bring to God. There is nothing about them that is so worthy, that God will be blessed. They come to God saying I have nothing...I am nothing...so have mercy on me. Then, because they are yielded completely, God begins to work in their lives and they benefit.

What is your motivation for following God? Is it a way to put the "Jedi mind trick" on Him...so that He will think you are sold out and will fix your world? Is it a conditional response like..."God if you will do this for me...then, I will follow you?" Or, as it is designed...are you following God because you have come to realize that the very best you have to offer...falls far short of what God desires for you? Have you realized that your response must be one of surrender, commitment, and yieldedness before Him? Have you cried out, "Lord be merciful to me...a sinner?"

Proverbs 9:6 is my takeaway today. "Forsake your folly and live, and proceed in the way of understanding." In the first five verses we see that Wisdom prepares a banquet but does not force it on anyone. One cannot force wisdom on anyone. Wisdom calls and invites. What is required to gain wisdom...is to forsake folly (foolishness...or the pursuit of man's ways over God's) and to proceed in the way of understanding.

Two quick observations:

First, you can't "ram" wisdom down someone's throat. You can only present it as an invitation and allow them to respond. (This is a recurring theme in the Scriptures).

Second, the key to gaining wisdom is to proceed (ongoing activity) in the way (system, path) of understanding (wisdom, revelation of God). Doing so, means forsaking (repentance from)folly/foolishness (man's desires and self-indulgent pursuits.) If one will not forsake foolishness, you can't try to impose wisdom on him. He won't get it until he forsakes his ways and proceeds in following the invitation to a better life.

Grace,