Remembering: A Gift and a Challenge from God

Hosea was one of God’s prophets whose ministry was prior to the Babylonian Captivity, but long after the deliverance from the Egyptian Bondage and the settlement in the Land of Promise. During those years, their history could easily be recalled. The LORD God had delivered them from Egypt and brought them into the land of His promise. Hosea actually picks up the narrative of that history with reference to three phenomenal events.

1. Remember: The Proclamation of Sinai. “I am the LORD your God ever since the land of Egypt. And you shall know no God but Me; for there is no savior besides Me.” (Hosea 13:4, NKJV) They were possessors of the great commandment of God: “I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. You shall have no other gods before Me.” (Exodus 20:2, 3, NKJV) Now, through Hosea, God reminds His people of that eternal truth.

2. Remember: The Provisions of the Desert. “I knew you in the wilderness, in the land of great drought. When they had pasture, they were filled.” (Hosea 13:5, 6a, NKJV) In one of the Psalms of Asaph, we note the historical record: “He commanded the clouds above, and opened the doors of heaven, had rained down manna on them to eat, and given them of the bread of heaven. Men ate angels’ food; He sent them food to the full.” (Psalm 78:23-25) (See also Exodus 16:4-35.)

3. Remember: The Pleasures of the Heart. “They were satisfied, and their hearts became proud.” (Hosea 13:6b, HCSB) This is the negative end of the story. God, through Hosea is saying, “Remember what happened when I was all you needed, and I supplied for your needs, and you ‘forgot Me.’” (Hosea 13:6c, HCSB) When adversity strikes, how easily we cling to remembering God who provides for all needs. When abundance prevails, it is tragically easy to forget Him, and depend on our own abilities and resources.

1. Have you known great days of God’s blessings, but have lately “taken them for granted?”
2. On the scale of importance in your life, in all honesty, where is God?
3. Is it now time to recommit your heart and life to the God of all grace?