Read Hosea 12
The events
listed in verses 3-4 refer to the book of Genesis and the life of Jacob. When Jacob was born his hand was holding his
twin brother Esau’s heel (Gen. 25:24) and later in life Jacob wrestled with God
(Gen. 32:24-31) and was made into a new man, Israel. Afterward God met Jacob at Bethel and renewed
His promises with him (Gen. 35:9-15).
Here we see that Jacob the deceiver became Israel, the channel of God’s
blessing. Just like Jacob, the people of
Israel must realize that they are nothing without God and return to Him,
maintaining His standards of love and justice (12:6).
The
dishonest business practices exhibited by the Israelite merchants show a
corrupt society, even though they claim to be innocent (12:8). The Lord declared that He would bring them
into a place where they would dwell in tents which told of the coming
exile. Jacob is mentioned again in verse
12. This time the emphasis is how God preserved him while he fled from his
brother whom he had deceived to get the birthright and ended up working for his
bride, Rachel. Hosea then gives another example of God preserving and guarding
His people through a prophet (Moses) who led the people out of slavery in
Egypt. Yet God’s people were not
thankful for His protection and leadership and chose to reject the Lord.
Prayer and Journaling
1. But you must return to
your God; maintain love and justice, and wait for your God always. (v. 6).
Meditate on this verse. Ask the
Lord to give you insight on how to apply this verse to your life. How should the truths in this passage affect
your behaviour?
2. Go through today’s passage again asking the Lord to show you
each time God used prophets to lead and guide His people. Thank the Lord for His leadership. Ask Him to show you an area in your life
where He wants to lead and guide you.
What does He want to say to you about this?
