Know the Lord!
At this gathering of LCMS church Tampa, we are invited into a deeper understanding of what it truly means to “know the Lord.” In today’s sermon, Pastor Kenneth Redmann leads us through Hosea’s powerful message calling God’s people to press on in faith, repentance, and true knowledge of God.
Invocation and Sermon Introduction
Jun 11, 2026 “Know the Lord!” Rev. Kenneth Redmann
May the meditations of our hearts and the words of my lips be acceptable to You, O Lord. Amen. In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
The text for our meditation is the Old Testament lesson. We are especially interested in verse 3 where Hosea is speaking to the Chosen People, “Let us know; let us press on to know the Lord…”
The Setting of Hosea’s Message
The setting for our text is fascinating. King David and the united kingdom of the 12 tribes is long gone. The 12 tribes are now divided into two parts. The northern part has 10 tribes and is called Ephraim in our text. Samaria is its capital. The southern part has just 2 tribes and they are called Judah. Judah’s capital was Jerusalem. Hosea prophesied to both of these people of Israel.
As we heard, the Lord has proclaimed that He has withdrawn His presence to “return again to My place—until they (i.e. ALL of God’s Chosen People—Israel) acknowledge their guilt and seek My face”
Against this backdrop, Hosea is pleading with God’s people:
- Let us return to the Lord
- He has torn us—so that He may heal us
- He has struck us down—so that He may bind us up
- After two days He will revive us
- On the third day He will raise us up
Scripture (KJV)
Hosea 6:1–2 (KJV)
“Come, and let us return unto the LORD: for he hath torn, and he will heal us; he hath smitten, and he will bind us up.
After two days will he revive us: in the third day he will raise us up, and we shall live in his sight.”
How wonderful is that. Do you not hear the Gospel message of the Three Day Resurrection? This is the language of trusting in the Lord for all that He has done, continues to do, and will do to fulfill His promises.
1. All mankind knows there is “a” god
Scripture (KJV)
Romans 1:19–20 (KJV)
“Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them.
For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse.”
2. Head knowledge is not enough
Scripture (KJV)
James 2:19 (KJV)
“Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.”
Hebrews 6:1 (KJV)
“Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God.”
Hebrews 10:24–25 (KJV)
“And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:
Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.”
Hebrews 10:26–27 (KJV)
“For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,
But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.”
Hosea 6:6 (KJV)
“For I desired mercy, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings.”
3. Pressing on to truly know the Lord
Christ’s Victory and Our Faith
Scripture (KJV)
Romans 10:17 (KJV)
“So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”
1 Corinthians 13:9–12 (KJV)
“For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.
But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.
When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.
For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.”
Jeremiah 29:11 (KJV)
“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.”
Summary
- Hosea calls God’s people to press on to know the Lord
- All people have a natural awareness that God exists
- Intellectual belief alone does not save
- Faith is a lifelong process of growth
- Christ’s resurrection secures victory over sin and death
- Christians are called to mature in faith
Conclusion
As we reflect on this message, we are reminded that true faith is not static but living and growing in Christ. That is the heart of Zion Lutheran Church Tampa, where believers are continually called to deepen their walk with the Lord.
Join us next Sunday for worship, and be sure to download the worship folder ahead of time so you can follow along and engage fully in the service. A Christian Family who Cares for You