Hosea 6:4-11 (KJV)
4 O Ephraim, what shall I do unto thee? O Judah, what shall I do unto thee? for your goodness is as a morning cloud, and as the early dew it goeth away.
5 Therefore have I hewed them by the prophets; I have slain them by the words of my mouth: and thy judgments are as the light that goeth forth.
6 For I desired mercy, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings.
The people of God would draw close to the one true God when times were rough and repent for their sins. But as the dew will evaporate and the early clouds will go away the people of God would once again wonder and worship false gods. The prophets including Hosea warned the people of the impending doom by these actions. God wanted more than ritual. God wanted the people to show mercy towards him and to have knowledge of God.
The people in Hosea’s day were fickle they would walk away from God during the good times and run to him in times of disaster. Everyone reading this should remember September 11th. The following Sunday the churches were filled some had standing room only. But like the people of God Hosea writes about in a short time the churches were almost empty. People had gone through the ritual of praying for our country. Not truly loving or having knowledge of God. The only thing that will change our country is true repentance of individuals and an abiding faith in Jesus Christ.
Dear Lord: I pray that each individual in this country has an opportunity to here the gospel. The opportunity to have their hardened heart softened so they can accept you as their Lord and Savior. The country as we know it may be lost but Lord give us the opportunity to continue to harvest souls in your name.
In Jesus name I pray amen.