10/19 Hosea 6:3

³ Let us know; let us press on to know the LORD; his going out is sure as the dawn; he will come to us as the showers, as the spring rains that water the earth."

Hosea had understood God's passion to be in relationship with His people. These are Hosea's words, pleading with Israel to return to the LORD. The word "know" is used as an intellectual awareness, but also in regards to the intimacy of husband and wife (Genesis 4:1). Hosea had just illustrated by his purchase of his wayward wife God's pursuit of us in spite of our being unfaithful. He is crying out for Israel to follow the picture his prophetic life has set before them. Let God take you back. Turn around and run to Him.

As sure as the sun comes up in the morning, you can be sure God is pursuing you. The original language tells us that He will come like the latter and early rains. Israel had two seasons of rain that they depended on for their crops. They could count on each season of rain and desperately needed each. Hosea is saying we desperately need the LORD, and He will come to us in our time of need and refresh us with His life giving Spirit.

The LORD responded to Hosea's plea by saying that Israel's love for Him is like the morning fog that soon disappears. If you are reading this devotional, you probably have an intellectual knowledge of God. Hosea is telling us to press on to a relationship with God. You will see Him faithfully coming to greet you. He will refresh your soul and give you the water of life.

Consider: Are you pressing on to know the LORD or have you become satisfied with your current condition?