I continue my study of Hosea, and my focus this morning is Hosea 4:1-19, where God lays out His case against Israel and her unfaithfulness - the scene in the text plays out like a prosecution attorney's opening statement against the accused. Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method.
- What do we learn from the text about God?: Vv1-2 get right to the point - and don't miss how God diagnoses the root cause of a faithless and loveless Israel - "no knowledge of God in the land[.]" How can one love God without knowing who He is and what He has done for us? We should not miss how this is a message for all of humanity - that we should all spend time with God to know Him and know what He has done for us. Lest we be condemned eternally.
- What do we learn from the text about people?: The text shares the consequences of faithlessness starting in v3 where God takes away provision for food, He destroys the people for "lack of knowledge" (v6) and for "forgetting" His law. God will forget the children of Israel - this is a harsh punishment to be meted out against those who have no role in the offense. Israel's glory will be turned to shame (v7). They shall eat but not be satisfied (v10). They shall come to ruin (v14). Israel is stubborn (v16).
- Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): We are to avoid not seeking and knowing God. We are to claim the promise that God will bless us and satisfy us for a hunger and thirst for Him (Matthew 5:6). We should follow the example of Daniel and others that sought God no matter what the circumstances - including threat of death. Seek Him with all of your heart...and you will find Him (Jeremiah 29:13).
My Prayer: Father God, thank You for saving me, and for the incredible grace and mercies You pour out inexhaustibly. Thank You also for giving me Your Word that I can know You and fellowship with You. I am not deserving of my salvation nor any of the blessings You pour out for me daily. My sin is great and it continues...daily. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
