Today's first reading is God's blunt promise to Israel for the repeated rejection of God's love. Because they have placed so much hope in their own financial and military power, God will now show them true power. They have relied on God's protection (even if they did not fully realize it); now they will find that no one can stop God when God wants Israel to be defeated.
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The second reading is the final promise of God. Although the people will be defeated, God still expects a day when the chosen people will be reconciled with God. They will fully confess their past wrongdoing and God will forgive them. Unlike an idol of wood or stone, which has no power to do anything, God has power -- not only power to conquer and destroy, but power to forgive and restore. God looks forward to this day when the chosen people will accept God's love.
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Reading the Bible in Its Entirety
If you are planning to read the Bible in its entirety, you should read Hosea 13-14 today.
If you are planning to read the Bible in its entirety, you should read Hosea 13-14 today.
