How sincere is your worship? Consider that question as you look at the following worship profile of Hosea from the Praise and Worship Study Bible published by Tyndale House Publishers.
Hosea
As with many prophets, Hosea's life was a living parable. He not only spoke the messages God gave him but also lived them out so that the people saw what God was trying to tell them. Hosea's troubled relationship with Gomer gave the people of Israel a clear picture of the deep hurt they caused the Lord when they turned away and worshiped idols.
Hosea the Worshiper
Hosea understood the importance of purity in worship. Idolatry is likened to committing adultery against the Lord, who has bound himself to his people like a husband binds himself to his wife.
Hosea's obedience shows that worship involves action as much as reflection. Hosea glorified God by faithfully pursuing his unfaithful wife and redeeming her.
Learning from Hosea
God calls us today to obey and reflect his love and faithfulness to others, regardless of the hurt they may inflict upon us.
Hosea teaches us that God loves us and desires that we be faithful to him. Although we may turn away, God remains faithful to us.
Hosea reminds us of the inseparable link between worship and justice. We cannot offer pleasing worship to God if we also willfully mistreat others.
Following the Example
Hosea's summation of Israel's sins, which begins in chapter 4, reads like a prosecutor's case against a defendant. One of the charges against Israel is insincere worship of the Lord: "Their worship is mere pretense as they take oaths in the Lord's name" (Hosea 4:15). Sadly, this charge could still be brought against many people today. As you reflect on your own worship, ask yourself, How sincere is my worship? Do the words I speak translate into deeds that serve others and honor God? Ask God to get rid of any pretense that you have allowed to stand in the place of true worship.