“When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called my son. But the more they were called, the more they went away from me. They sacrificed to the Baals and they burned incense to images. It was I who taught Ephraim to walk, taking them by the arms; but they did not realize it was I who healed them.”
– Hosea 11:1-3
God desires us to know Him intimately. In my recent Bible study of the poetic book Hosea, the question came to me, “Do you know God?” Hosea begins like this: He marries, and almost instantly his marriage goes wrong. His wife cheats on him, and God tells him to pursue his wife and win her back. This unfortunately became a cycle of life for him. It’s a heartbreaking story of a man who wants nothing more than to save his family. As the poem continues, you see that God shares this sad and tragic story to illustrate what His relationship is like with His people. God tells Hosea he wants to bless His people with victory, full baskets and healing. But God continues to vent that they practice hypocrisy by turning their backs on the poor and those in need. They worship idols and sacrifice human beings to them. He says there is no knowledge of God in the land! This word knowledge speaks of intimacy. A relationship where you know and understand each other well! Friend, having a good relationship with God or with people, in almost every case, love is spelled T-I-M-E. It’s the most valuable resource we have and everyone who loves you needs it. You have to give your time to God. This is such a small price to pay, because the time we lose that we give to God is reciprocated a hundred-fold! |
Prayer
Father, show me how to pursue an intimate relationship with you. I want to know you better.
Reflection
How do you use your most valuable resource of time to be with God?
If you’re unable to attend your local church or need some additional weekly inspiration, be sure to tune into Hour of Power every Saturday night at 6:30 p.m. PT on TBN or watch online at hourofpower.org/episode.
