If you have visited Alaska, you have no doubt seen warnings about the bears that roam the wilderness. Experienced old-timers who know the habits of bears offer these suggestions for safety:

• Don't climb a tree. Bears climb.
• Don't run. Bears can run faster.
• If the bear is brown, curl up and play dead. If it's black, move wildly and make lots of noise.
• Never, never offer food to a bear.
• Above all, don't get between a mother bear and her cubs.

In our Bible reading from Hosea, God described Himself as being as angry with Israel as a mother bear who has been deprived of her cubs (13:8). God had done so much to show His love, but His people had wandered away from Him and taken the path of disobedience. So He disciplined them, while reminding them of His love (13:4-6; 14:1-9).

We need to learn from what happened to Israel. To avoid God's anger and enjoy His love today:

• Love and worship Him above all (13:4).
• Don't try to hide your sin—confess it (14:1-2).
• Stay on the path of righteousness (14:9).

Our God is a jealous God (Ex. 34:14). He loves us but He will not tolerate disobedience. Beware of the Bear!  — David C. Egner