Whoever is wise, let him understand these things; whoever is discerning, let him know them. For the ways of the Lord are right, and the righteous will walk in them. Hosea 14:9

These are God’s final words in the book of Hosea. After all is said and done, this is how He chooses to end His communication to His people. He does not punish with an abrupt ending, leaving His people hanging. He wraps up His message with grace.

The storyline of Hosea has had all the elements of a great novel. God professed His love, took a bride, and hoped for fidelity. Love was unappreciated, spurned, and tested by the sin of unfaithfulness. God has been anything but stoic throughout these pages. He has been generous to express His heart. He showed them He is a God who feels intensely. He loves, hurts, weeps, longs, reaches, and forgives. He aches to bless, restores when there is repentance, and is willing to put the past behind His back.

In His closing thoughts, we are to grasp the truth that there is a difference between understanding the ways of the Lord and knowing them. God differentiates by saying, “If we are wise, we understand His ways. If we are discerning, we know them.” I don’t want to miss the implications of this important signature.

• To ‘understand’ something is cerebral. I take a precept apart, study it, and mentally grasp the truth of it.
• To ‘know’ something is to experience it. I make the precept a part of my life. I put it to the test and experience what it’s like to live by it.I am not a babe in Christ. Believe me, I know what He is saying about the differences between that which is cerebral and that which has been proven by experience. The first brings casual interest. The latter brings passion.

Oh God, I make a vow to You today. I will never go halfway. Once You reveal a truth, I will do more than study it. I will make it part of my experience. The story of our love has read like this novel. You called me Your side before my love was awakened. You made a covenant with me even though I was barely interested. You took care of me when my back was turned. I turned to many other lovers and broke Your heart. Ah, but then I heard Your voice. I thought it was too late but You kept calling my name. I repented. I came home. My eyes were opened to the beauty of Your love. Now, I hang on every Word. Amen