“For I desire steadfast love and not sacrifice, the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings.”
– Hosea 6:6
Main Thought: This was spoken to the nation of Israel during a time when they were rebellious against God and His commandments, approximately 2,400 years ago, but it is a verse that has great application for instruction to believers today. Israel still had the outward signs of religious worship and service during this time, but in reality, they had lost sight of what real love and real knowledge of God entailed. To them, it was enough to have the outward forms of religion and head knowledge of God without an inward change of heart or love for God. They thought that their sacrifices and outward obedience were substitutes for heartfelt, steadfast love for God. God very clearly gives them a message here that mere outward obedience is not what He desires. The Pharisees in Jesus’ day illustrated this, being outwardly righteous in the eyes of the culture, but as Jesus said looking like white, beautiful tombs but inwardly being full of corruption and death (Matt. 23:27). If we are only outwardly righteous, “having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power” (2 Tim. 3:5), then it is highly likely we do not have the Spirit of God and salvation. This calls us to examine ourselves in the light of Scripture, understanding what God desires. It does not matter how other religious figures or friends may evaluate us regarding where we stand with God, but it only matters what God says. We have this said here very clearly by God and in many other places in Scripture, that He desires an inward change of heart and love for Him. Let us all ponder these words of our Lord and make sure we have ‘steadfast love’ for Christ.
David Webber
David Webber is married to Mary with four children and four grandchildren, and serves as the Pastor of Faith Baptist Church in Longview, TX. He obtained a BS in History from the University of Texas at Tyler, TX, and pursued studies at Baptist Missionary Association Theological Seminary in Jacksonville, TX. Throughout his ministry, he has been an invited preacher and educator in numerous churches and various Bible conferences. Surrendering to the gospel ministry’s calling in 1972 at the age of 16, he received preaching licensure from Little Flock Baptist Church in Longview, Texas, in 1974. Graduating with a Bachelor of Science Degree in History from the University of Texas at Tyler in 1978, he was ordained in December of 1980 by Faith Baptist Church. Following this, he contributed his services to Faith Baptist in Longview and subsequently engaged with Grace Baptist Church in Tyler, Texas, where he instructed Sunday School and delivered sermons as needed. In February of 1994, Faith Baptist invited him to lead as their pastor, a role he has faithfully held to the present day. David writes a blog for the church website and is a writer for The Art of Worship.
More from David Webber
Romans 15:1-2
“We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up.” – Romans 15:1-2
Hebrews 11:24-26
“By faith Moses, when he was grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharoah’s daughter, choosing rather to be mistreated with the people of God than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. He considered the reproach of Christ greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking to the reward.” – Hebrews 11:24-26
Revelation 22:20-21
“He who testifies to these things says, ‘Surely I am coming soon.’ Amen. Come, Lord Jesus! The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all. Amen” – Revelation 22:20-21
Matthew 6:14-15
“For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” – Matthew 6:14-15
Isaiah 8:20
“To the teaching and to the testimony! If they will not speak according to this word, it is because they have no dawn.” – Isaiah 8:20
2 Corinthians 4:7
“But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the surpassing greatness of the power will be of God and not from ourselves.” – 2 Corinthians 4:7
1 Thessalonians 5:19
“Do not quench the Spirit.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:19
Colossians 2:5
“For though I am absent in body, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order and the firmness of your faith in Christ.” – Colossians 2:5
Galatians 6:1
“Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted.” – Galatians 6:1
Isaiah 41:17-18
“When the poor and needy seek water, and there is none, and their tongue is parched with thirst, I the LORD will answer them; I the God of Israel will not forsake them. I will open rivers on the bare heights, and fountains in the midst of the valleys. I will make the wilderness a pool of water, and the dry land springs of water.” – Isaiah 41:17-18