Press on to know the Lord
Every day we’re asking four questions about part of the Bible. Today Liz Nixon answers:
What did I like about today’s passage?
The charge against Israel is that they do not know God. The Hebrew word is “daath”, which comes from the root “yada”, meaning to know intimately and is used several times in these chapters. It’s a lived-out knowledge, experiential knowing of someone which comes from knowing who someone really is.
The people do not know who God is. Romans 1 says that people “did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God” and this is what caused them to be given over to their wicked desires. It’s the same lack of experiential, knowing of God. It’s not knowing about someone, a knowing facts type of knowledge, but being in relationship with them, experiencing who they are.
Hosea’s call to the people in Hosea 6 1-3 is inspiring and contains my favourite verse – “Let us know the Lord, let us press on to know Him” (see my Bible bite!). He is basically saying “Come on, let’s do this together, let’s keep getting to know God better and better – He’s worth our time and energy!”.
There’s a prayer/song which has become my motto and passion for life:
Dear Lord, three things I pray:
to see thee more clearly, love thee more dearly, follow thee more nearly.
I am convinced that when we see God more clearly and know who He truly is, then we are more and more amazed, and love Him more as a result.
What did it show me about Father God, Jesus or the Holy Spirit?
Israel’s love for God is fleeting, like the morning mist, which is why He sent the prophets to them. Despite Israel’s unfaithfulness and God’s frustration and anger, He is full of love towards them. He is clear that He wants His people to know Him, to be in relationship with Him, rather than religious rituals and sacrifices on altars.
There seems to be mixed emotions for God in verse 4 when He says “What can I do with you, Ephraim? What can I do with you, Judah?”. Israel has strayed from Him (verse 13), turned to enemies for help (verse 11), but His heart is “I long to redeem them”.
God’s love for Israel, for us, for me, is not dependent on how we behave. His love for me is dependent on Him, and His character. God’s love is fiery and passionate, unfailing, and steadfast.
What am I going to do differently as a result?
Remember that God’s heart is always longing for the redemption of His people.
Who am I going to share this with?
You! The Gold course is a brilliant way of seeing God more clearly as it allows Holy Spirit to reveal the lies we may have been believing about who God is and who we are. If you would like to see God more clearly, sign up for it!