< Back

Read: Hosea 6:6 
Listen: Hosea 6

For I desire mercy, not sacrifice, and acknowledgment of God rather than burnt offerings. Hosea 6:6

The prophet Hosea delivers God’s messages to Israel around 700 BC after Israel fell to the Babylonians. The first three chapters of Hosea are about his family. They are symbolic of the spiritual adultery of God’s people. The rest of the book conveys various messages about Israel’s sins and God’s offer for Israel to return to him. Speaking to the unrepentant nation, God tells them that going through the religious motions is not acceptable. God’s desire is for his people to love him and live out of that love in obedience. He is not about sacrifices but mercy. God has always been after his people’s hearts.

Hosea’s words speak directly to us today. Jesus came to give us new life, not a dead religion. There are four realities that can reorient our hearts: 1) Jesus is the Bridegroom who brings joy, not guilt. He came to replace the shame of religion with the joy of relationship. 2) Jesus is the new wine who does not patch up our old lives but gives us new life. He makes all things new. 3) Jesus is the Lord of the Sabbath, who gives rest, not a burden. Jesus is our rest and joy. 4) Jesus is the Lamb of God who died to put an end to dead religion. He heals us from death and destruction.

TODAY: Which of the four realities do you need to remember most? Journal about how you can use it to prepare for this weekend’s service. Ask God to meet you and prepare your heart for the worship and message.