Hosea 6: Restoration

Introduction

Hosea was a prophet who spoke to the Northern Kingdom of Israel during a time of great spiritual unfaithfulness. They had turned away from God and were worshipping idols. Hosea’s message is tough but full of hope and God’s unwavering love.

Key Passage

“Come, let us return to the Lord. He has torn us to pieces but he will heal us; he has injured us but he will bind up our wounds. After two days he will revive us; on the third day he will restore us, that we may live in his presence. Let us acknowledge the Lord; let us press on to acknowledge him. As surely as the sun rises, he will appear; he will come to us like the winter rains, like the spring rains that water the earth.” (Hosea 6:1-3 NIV)

Understanding the Passage

“He has torn us to pieces but he will heal us…” (v.1): This speaks to the consequences of sin. Our choices can lead to pain and brokenness, both personally and in our relationships with God and others. But God doesn’t leave us there. He offers healing and restoration.

“After two days he will revive us; on the third day he will restore us…” (v.2): This can be interpreted in several ways. Some see it as a prophecy of Jesus’ resurrection on the third day, bringing new life to all who believe. Others see it as a symbolic representation of God’s quick and powerful restoration.

“Let us acknowledge the Lord; let us press on to acknowledge him…” (v.3): This emphasises the importance of seeking God and pursuing a relationship with Him. It’s not a one-time event but a continuous journey.

“For I desire mercy, not sacrifice, and acknowledgment of God rather than burnt offerings.” (v.6): God desires a genuine heart of love and obedience, not just outward religious rituals. He wants a relationship with us, not just our empty actions.

Relating to the New Testament

Jesus’ Resurrection: The “third day” in verse 2 powerfully foreshadows Jesus’ resurrection, which is the cornerstone of Christian faith. Through his sacrifice and resurrection, Jesus offers forgiveness and new life to all who believe (1 Corinthians 15:3-4).

God’s Mercy and Grace: Hosea 6:6 is quoted by Jesus in Matthew 9:13 and 12:7. Jesus emphasises that God’s priority is mercy and compassion, not legalistic adherence to rules. This highlights the core message of the Gospel: God’s love and forgiveness are freely offered to us through Jesus.

Relationship over Ritual: Jesus consistently challenged the Pharisees for their focus on outward rituals while neglecting the inner transformation of the heart. He emphasised the importance of loving God and loving our neighbours (Matthew 22:37-40), echoing Hosea’s message.

Connecting to Other Bible Verses

• Psalm 51:17: “My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart you, God, will not despise.” This echoes Hosea’s emphasis on a sincere heart.
• John 14:6: “Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.'” This shows that Jesus is the way to truly know and acknowledge God.

How it Shows Jesus

• Jesus is the ultimate fulfilment of God’s promise of healing and restoration. Through his sacrifice, he bridges the gap between God and humanity, offering forgiveness and new life.
• Jesus embodies God’s mercy and compassion. He reached out to the broken, the outcast, and the sinners, offering them hope and healing.

Practical Application for Today

• Examine your heart: Are you going through the motions of faith without a genuine connection with God? Take time to reflect on your relationship with Him.
• Seek forgiveness and restoration: If you’ve made mistakes, turn to God for forgiveness. He is ready to heal and restore you.
• Focus on relationship, not just rules: Don’t just focus on following rules; cultivate a genuine relationship with God through prayer, Bible study, and fellowship with other believers.
• Extend mercy to others: Just as God extends mercy to us, we should extend mercy and compassion to others.

Discussion Questions

1. What does it mean to “acknowledge the Lord”?
2. How does Hosea 6:6 challenge our understanding of what God truly desires from us?
3. How does Jesus fulfil the message of Hosea 6?
4. What practical steps can you take to cultivate a deeper relationship with God?

Prayer

Dear Lord, thank you for your unwavering love and mercy. We confess that we often fall short and turn away from you. Help us to truly acknowledge you and seek a genuine relationship with you. Thank you for sending Jesus to heal our brokenness and offer us new life. Help us to extend that same mercy to others. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Blessing

May the Lord bless you and keep you; may the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; may the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace. (Numbers 6:24-26)