God’s Desire

God’s Desire

Q: According to Hosea, God wanted his people to know him more than he wanted what?

• a. gold
• b. burnt offerings
• c. worship

The book of Hosea shows God’s consistent love for his people. Even though they weren’t worshiping him as they should, he still gave them the chance to turn from their wicked ways.

Sometimes people go through rituals that make them look spiritual, but their actions are empty. Through Hosea, God told the people that he wanted them to show love more than offer sacrifices, and he wanted them to know him more than offer burnt offerings.

We don’t offer sacrifices today, but there are still times when people go through the motions of a Christian life without having the right heart attitude toward God. You can put money in the offering plate, sing praise and worship songs with hands raised, and even take Communion or be baptized but not love God. God would rather you know him personally than do all the right things without any meaning.

You get to know people by spending time with them and finding out all about them. The same is true of God. The Bible is your main source for learning about him. Listening in Sunday school and church are good ways to learn about God. Reading a daily devotional book like this one or a version of the Bible you can understand is also a good way to become better acquainted with God.

If you truly desire to know God, he will help you understand the things you read and hear. God desires a relationship with you.

For You

Make getting to know God a priority. What things are you already doing to know God better? What new things can you try?

Answer: b

[The Lord says,] “I want you to show love, not offer sacrifices. I want you to know me more than I want burnt offerings.”   Hosea 6:6

(The Whole Story: Hosea 6)