Focus Chapters:
- Hosea 2:14-23
- Hosea 3-8
Standout Verse(s):
Hosea 6:6 NLT
I want you to show love,
not offer sacrifices.
I want you to know me
more than I want burnt offerings.
Observation (s):
- God desires us to show love as much as we offer sacrifices.
I want you to show love,
not offer sacrifices.
I want you to know me
more than I want burnt offerings. - God desires us to connect with and know Him more than He desires burnt offerings.
I want you to show love,
not offer sacrifices.
I want you to know me
more than I want burnt offerings.
Application:
It is quite easy to get caught up in the motions of doing things out of habit or because it is expected of us. Regrettably most of us spend our lives on autopilot, never connecting or doing things from the heart. For example: we throw tithes because we should, we attend church because it is expected and participate in church events because it would look weird or questionable if we don’t. Despite all these actions, we never take the time to talk to God or read His word or listen to His voice for His directions. We shun connecting with God but embrace disconnection through the false reality of appearing to connect.
God does not desire us to do things on autopilot, particularly as it relates to Him. God requires sacrifices and offerings that are backed by a desire to please and connect with Him. He does not delight in sacrifices when it is done because it is expected rather than a pure gesture of love. He has no interest in burnt offerings when we make no effort or have no desire to know Him.
Our religious actions, without the requisite and necessary connection with God, is for naught. Embrace the opportunity to connect with God.
