Continuing on from the text from the previous article, into Hosea 14:4-8, God describes what He will do for Israel, including:
- Heal them (v4)
- Love them (v4)
- No longer be angry with them (v4)
- Cause them to flourish and grow (v5-6)
- Make them splendid, fragrant, flourishing, and famous, among other good things (v6-7)
In the end, Israel will succeed when they return to God, but these achievements won’t be their own doing. Instead, they will find many amazing good things because God will bestow these blessings upon them. Once God no longer has to discipline them (which, by the way, is a means by which God loves His people, allowing or sending hardship for us so that we will make better choices and get out of bad situations that we’ve chosen to make for ourselves), additional blessings from Him can resume.
Like the previous article, we see similar benefits for those who accept salvation through Jesus. We become new in Him, and we receive blessings from God when we return to Him.
Ultimately, as verse 9 reminds us, it is wise to understand truth about God:
Who is wise? Let them realize these things.
Who is discerning? Let them understand.
The ways of the LORD are right;
the righteous walk in them,
but the rebellious stumble in them.Hosea 14:9 NIV
https://hosea.bible/hosea-14-9
In this chapter from Hosea, those who are wise and discerning should appreciate the truth of what is written (and what was probably spoken by Hosea, as given to him from God). If we’re a little short on wisdom in the first place, though, I think that this passage gives us a clue as to where to find it.
I remember a sermon from a pastor at our church a few years ago, where he reviewed whether or not the Bible spoke on certain topics that we debate today. A key point from that sermon was that, while we are permitted to do a lot of things as followers of Jesus, not all of them are wise. For instance, it might have been permissible (i.e., not sinful) for me to get a tattoo of my first girlfriend’s name, but since she wasn’t my current wife, that would not have been wise!
In today’s world, knowledge is easier to find than ever, thanks to the Internet and all sorts of new discoveries being made. However, wisdom remains something that must be sought out, and goes beyond the mere accumulation of facts.
- Knowledge knows the facts. Wisdom knows when – and how – to use those facts for maximum effect, as well as when to just listen.
- Knowledge tells us how to make money. Wisdom tells us how to do so honestly and ethically, how to be content with what we have, how to use money appropriately, and where we can use what we have to bless others.
- Knowledge tells marketers how to use psychology to manipulate us. Wisdom shows us how to care for others and have healthy relationships.
- And, “knowledge puffs up while love builds up” (from 1 Corinthians 8:1).
And, what is wise? To walk in the ways of God. That’s a big step towards turning things around if we’ve made a mess of our lives. There’s a lot involved in walking in God’s righteousness, but following God also brings help from Him along with it.
Conversely, what is unwise? Like the rebellious described here, not walking in the ways of God causes one to stumble.
So, do you want to have more than just “book smarts” or “academic knowledge”? Are you stumbling around in life, tripping over bad ideas that a world far from God pushes on you? Seek out the ways of God (who is wiser than all of us), strive earnestly to walk in His ways, and ask Him for help to do so. In that choice, there is more wisdom than you or I can find anywhere else apart from God.
From Sunday School lesson prepared for March 5, 2023
References:
- The Lookout, March 5, 2023, © 2022 Christian Standard Media.
- Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
- The College Press NIV Commentary – Psalms Volume 1, by S. Edward Tesh & Walter D. Zorn. © 1999 College Press Publishing Co.
Those Who Sin Differently 