By the Help of Your God

This morning we continue in our study through the book of Hosea as we consider Hosea 12:2-14. In the text we see that the nation of Israel has been deceitful like Jacob. They love to oppress to get what they want. They’ve gotten rich through dishonest means, but they believe in all their labors, they will find in them no wrongdoing, which would be sin. In response to God’s kindness, provision, and warnings through the prophets, they've provoked God to bitter anger. They are to follow the pattern told from the story of Jacob. This looks like meeting God with weeping and seeking His grace. Hosea calls the people, "So you, by the help of your God, return,  hold fast to love and justice,  and wait continually for your God" (Hosea 12:6). May God give us grace, by the help of God to return to him when we wander and remain in joyful fellowship with him. Would the grace of God help us to maintain kindness and justice. Finally, may we continually put our hope and depend upon him.