In today’s reading (Hosea 12), Hosea’s message continues to remind the people of where they have come from and how far they have drifted from God. Rather than seeking to return to the God who had called them in the first place, they sought peace treaties with international rivals. A key message comes in verse 6, where we read, ‘But you must return to your God; maintain love and justice, and wait for your God always.’ They are challenged to wait for God rather than be tempted to buy help from other nations. God does not want them to return to the land of their former slavery (Egypt), or to put their faith in the land in which they would end up being exiled (Assyria). The grace that helped Peter to be restored in John 21 is the grace that is offered to us.

CLOSING PRAYER

Holy Spirit, thank you for drawing me to Christ. Tune my heart to his grace today.

(Edited from Encounter with God)