I continue my study of Hosea, and my focus this morning is Hosea 11-13, where God shares through Hosea a prophecy of Israel's looming exile at the hands of Assyria - she has been unfaithful and God will discipline her. See also OverviewBible.com's survey of this book. Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method.
- What do we learn from the text about God?: In 11:1-4 God shares how He cared for Israel (referring also to Israel as Ephraim - one of the largest tribes). Yet then He quickly moves to describe Israel's unfaithfulness because "they have refused to return to [God]" (v5). Vv6-7 share how He will punish/discipline Israel. God returns to His love for Israel in vv8-11 but once again He then pivots in v12 to how Israel "surrounded [God] with lies...and deceit[.] In 12:6 we see how God seeks a contrite heart and repentance from Israel, but ultimately He "will repay [Ephraim] for his disgraceful deeds" (v14). Ephraim's sin is further described in 13:1-2, 6, 9, and 12 as "they sin more and more," make idols before God, forgot God, are against God, and are bound up in iniquity. In the midst of God's pronouncement of judgement (and looming punishment via exile to Assyria) - concluding in this chapter via v16 - on Israel, we see God pointing to ultimately how Israel will be offered salvation through Christ (v14).
- What do we learn from the text about people?: Believers and non-believers alike continue to live in sin - so no one can claim they are without sin (Romans 3:23, 1 John 1:8). We are not unlike Israel who lived faithfully for a period, then forgot God and wandered from Him. The message of Hosea is for us just as it was for Israel. Believers, however, have the hope of Jesus who gives us victory over sin and death.
- Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): Avoid the faithlessness of Israel which is often seen as performative worship that does not have a heart for God. Claim the promise that Jesus offers to repent and return to Him as He offers salvation and freedom in Christ. Follow the example of Hosea who was obedient to God and faithful to Him even though God asked him to marry an unfaithful woman/prostitute (Gomer). Repent and have faith in Jesus who is faithful to those who follow Him.
My Prayer: Father God, thank You for my salvation and for Your faithfulness. 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.
