Verse:
“What can I do with you, Ephraim? What can I do with you, Judah? Your love is like the morning mist, like the early dew that disappears.”
— Hosea 6:4

Background:
Who was Hosea? — Hosea was a prophet who lived during the final, tragic days of the northern kingdom of Israel. He was unique among the writing prophets, as he was the only one from the northern kingdom, and his messages were primarily directed at its people. The name “Hosea” means “salvation,” reflecting his mission to offer hope to those willing to repent and turn back to God through his prophetic warnings.

Thought:
In this passage, the Lord is expressing disappointment with His people’s shallow repentance. Their love is fleeting, disappearing as quickly as morning mist or dew. Through prophets like Hosea, God sought to awaken them to the seriousness of sin and the need for genuine change. He desires enduring love, not empty religious rituals. God longs for a relationship, not just participation in ceremonies like prayer meetings. The people broke their covenant and strayed from their faith. Are we really listening to the Lord’s words?

Lesson:
In Acts 26:20, Paul reminds King Agrippa of the essence of true repentance: “First to those in Damascus, then to those in Jerusalem and in all Judea, and then to the Gentiles, I preached that they should repent and turn to God and demonstrate their repentance by their deeds.” Repentance must be followed by both a turning to God and the visible fruits of a transformed life.

Final Thought:
True repentance isn’t just about feeling remorse; it involves turning back to God and demonstrating that change through a godly life.