June 26
Hosea 2:14-8:14
Perhaps the strongest universal human desire is the intrinsic need to be loved. We want to know that we matter to someone and are loved by them. The book of Hosea is an extended message that we are loved, and not just by anyone, but by the God of the universe. Sadly, our instinct is often to run from God’s love rather than embrace it. We are not satisfied, or do not believe we are loved by God, so we turn to inferior loves. Israel turned to idols, sexual pleasure, and powerful nations rather than God. They looked to the immediate and tangible rather than their faithful God who had proved himself again and again.
Even when they acknowledged God and returned to offering sacrifices to him, their hearts were not engaged. They were going through the motions rather than truly repenting. God wants us to reciprocate his love, which means turning from all other lovers and committing to him alone. Nothing else can satisfy like God and no one can love us like God, so we need to align our loves and priorities to him alone.
Father God, thank you for being love and extending that love to me. There is nothing I have done to earn your love, but you love me all the same. Help me to rest in your love and love you with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength. Amen.
How can you check to see whether God is truly what you love above everything else?
Perhaps the strongest universal human desire is the intrinsic need to be loved. We want to know that we matter to someone and are loved by them. The book of Hosea is an extended message that we are loved, and not just by anyone, but by the God of the universe. Sadly, our instinct is often to run from God’s love rather than embrace it. We are not satisfied, or do not believe we are loved by God, so we turn to inferior loves. Israel turned to idols, sexual pleasure, and powerful nations rather than God. They looked to the immediate and tangible rather than their faithful God who had proved himself again and again.
Even when they acknowledged God and returned to offering sacrifices to him, their hearts were not engaged. They were going through the motions rather than truly repenting. God wants us to reciprocate his love, which means turning from all other lovers and committing to him alone. Nothing else can satisfy like God and no one can love us like God, so we need to align our loves and priorities to him alone.
Father God, thank you for being love and extending that love to me. There is nothing I have done to earn your love, but you love me all the same. Help me to rest in your love and love you with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength. Amen.
How can you check to see whether God is truly what you love above everything else?
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