Hosea Chapter 12

Before you read:  Read Hosea Chapter 12. 

Dependence on the Lord:

Hosea 12:6 – “So now, come back to your God.  Act with love and justice, and always depend on him.”  (NLT)

Think for a moment about the last time you started a new job.  Imagine how frustrating it would be in that new job if you were expected to perform your duties well but never received any training.  On the other hand, it’s a breath of fresh air when you have a good trainer who gives you the tools and the resources to perform your new job with excellence.  Good performance usually requires good training.   

The Lord is challenging the people of God to act with love and justice and to depend on Him.  The amazing thing about our God is that He does not challenge us to do something without equipping us to do what He’s called us to do.  Our God is gracious; He will give us the resources we need to be faithful to Him. 

Earlier in chapter twelve, we read about one of Israel’s ancestors, Jacob. Jacob was a schemer and a trickster throughout most of his life. Though Jacob was a dishonest trickster, he wrestled with God, and by the end of his life, he was truly dependent on the Lord. Now, many years later, the Lord is imploring Jacob’s descendants to turn from their immoral, dishonest ways and depend on Him. Consider how Jacob's transformation can inspire your own journey of faith.  

Have you returned to the Lord?  Do you always depend on Him?  As we pursue the Lord and learn to depend on Him in every circumstance in life, He will help us.  He will show us how to love as He loves, He will give us a proper understanding of justice. His guidance has the power to transform us.   

Prayer:  Lord, I thank you for this promise that you do not call us to something that you do not equip us for.