Today's first reading offers one part of God's approach to Israel. God still loves Israel, despite their rejections of that love time and again. From the beginning, God has tried to provide for this chosen people, though they often have been unaware of this. And God still hopes for the day when the people will return and fully accept God's love.
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The second reading is the other part of God's approach to Israel. God must punish the people for their repeated rejection of God, which may date even to the exodus from Egypt. Time and again, the people have turned away from God, relying on false gods and their own wealth and power to feel safe and prosperous. These actions have unavoidable consequences -- the worst of which is military defeat, which will take all their wealth and power away from them.
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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 10-12 today.
If you are planning to read the Bible in its entirety, you should read Hosea 10-12 today.
