The Difference-Maker

The 6/3 verse for today is from Hosea 6:3, "Let us strive to know the LORD.  His appearance is as sure as the dawn.  He will come to us like the rain, like the spring showers that water the land."  (HCSB)

Earlier in the book of Hosea, God had said, "My people are being destroyed because they don't know me."  God's people had rebelled against Him and worshipped idols.  They had broken every commandment...and then some.  Their sin was literally destroying them.  They did not have a personal, firsthand experience with God; they did not know Him.  The prophet, Hosea, was urging the people to return to the Lord.  God was willing to heal and redeem them, but their hearts were hardened by sin.  Hosea knew the undying love God had for His people and he knew that if they seriously devoted their energy toward recognising the nature of God, they would see Him as the one true God.

Hosea's wisdom was spot-on.  Knowing God is the biggest difference-maker in life - and death.  Knowing His character draws us to Him and lets us experience His love and grace.  Knowing God opens our eyes, our ears, and our hearts to God's truth.  Knowing God gives us new and right perspective and perception.  Knowing God will bring dead dreams to life.  Knowing God will reveal truth from lies.  Knowing God will change our minds and our lives.  Knowing God is the true wisdom that will make a difference in our circumstance and situations. 

There is certainty in knowing God.  Hosea was trying to illustrate this to the people.  Just as the the sun rises at dawn and the rains come in spring, so too will the Lord come to us when we know Him.  Hosea knew that God's people had a chance to be redeemed if they would turn to God; if they would strive to know Him.  The same could be said for us.  When we call upon the name of the Lord, when we become serious about knowing Him and His character, we have a chance to be redeemed.  Our circumstances and situations can be redeemed, as well.  As surely as the sun rises and the rain comes, so too will our Lord show up when we know and love Him.

Are you like me?  Do you want to know Him more?  When the rain comes, let it be a reminder that God wants to pour into us so we can grow in our knowledge of Him.  And as the sun rises each day, let us be confident that the Lord is truly our difference-maker.