Hosea 11 - 14

Chapter 11 is Jehovah’s limitless love for Israel expressed.  Aren’t you glad that God is God…and not like us?  Think of the implications of that truth.  If God were like us:  His patience would be short; His justice would be partial; His love would be conditional and fickle; His motives would be selfish.  Quite often I am overwhelmed when praying with just how much the LORD has forgiven me, has protected me from myself and my sins…yes, when we confess He is faithful and just to forgive us from all!

In this chapter, the Lord describes His care for Israel as a son…have you thought about what someone – a parent, guardian or whomever did for you when you could not do for yourself?  “But he doesn’t know or even care that it was I who raised him!”  What is your attitude toward the LORD and all those who have contributed to your life through the years?  An attitude of gratitude is the cure for the sin of pride!  Perhaps writing thank you letters, making some phone calls and expressing often your gratitude attitude will bring joy to those who receive it…the LORD, your parents, school teachers, guardians, friends, neighbors…and on and on! AND bring a new humility level to your own heart. 

Chapter 12 The SINS OF ISRAEL’S PAST – Rebellion!  It is one thing to forgive someone who has asked for your forgiveness.  It is another thing to forgive someone who admits his guilt, but is unwilling to ask for your forgiveness.  It is something altogether Christlike to forgive someone who has offended you in the past and continue to do so in proud defiance. 

Perhaps the most striking thing about Hosea is his willingness to forgive the unworthy Gomer even at great personal cost in the same way God offered forgiveness to the equally unworthy Israel—a nation involved in the shameless worship of lifeless idols. 

As far back as the ancient prophets and continuing right up t the present, God offers this invitation to sinful men and women. “I love you; I forgive you, I want you for My own.” But only those willing to repent and return discover the joy of entering into that love.

Israel’s failure to heed the prophet’s call resulted in the nation’s destruction.  Just as surely, those secret sins you may be harboring can only hurt you and keep you estranged from God.  As we look at I John 1:8-9 and take to heart what John has said, we can be assured that God can be depended upon to forgive our sins and to cleanse us from all wrong. 

Jehovah God is begging His people to return to Him and His love but He knows their hearts and exactly who they are!  … crafty merchants, selling from dishonest scales…love to cheat and they boast  “I am so rich…I have gotten it all by myself! “ [the sin of pride, and lack of gratefulness!].  BUT riches cannot make up for sin!

Chapter 13 THE SHAPE OF ISRAEL’S FUTURE – Rejection.  The Lord continues to remind them of their past with Him and His care for them down through the generations.  “But when you had eaten and were satisfied, then you became proud and forgot Me.  So now here is what is going to happen!!!!!” 

v. 2 “To these very works of their hands they speak or pray who sacrifice to them, they kiss the calves as if they were alive!  …  What are the idols of your life that you would allow to usurp the position of the LORD in your life?  Could the idols be the “WORK OF YOUR OWN HANDS!” ??

V.8 “I WILL MEET THEM AS A BEAR THAT IS ROBBED OF HER CUBS…”  reminded me of my name, Bernadine!

v. 13 …he needs new birth, but makes no effort to acquire it”…do you know anyone that describes perfectly?  I have a name written by my verse. 

Chp. 14 THE SOLUTION FOR ISRAEL’S PRESENT – Repentance!  No sermon about the sickness of sin would be complete without including God’s remedy to sin.  The prophet Hosea declares. “O Israel, return to the Lord…for you have been crushed by your sins (the disease)…Come to the Lord and say, ‘O Lord, take away our sins, be gracious to us and receive us…(the cure): 14:1-2.  What is God’s response to such heartfelt repentance?  “I will cure you of idolatry and faithlessness, and my love will know no bounds…they will be a watered garden and blossom like grapes.”  14: 4, 7 God takes no pleasure in the punishment of sinners and He always stands ready to forgive and receive the repentant sinner who returns to Him.  “Sin forsaken is the best evidence of sin forgiven.”

14:8-9 Good summary:  O Ephraim!  Stay away from idols!  I am living and strong!  I look after you and care for you.  I am like an evergreen tree, yielding My fruit to you throughout the year.  My mercies never fail.

Whoever is wise, let him understand these things.  Whoever is intelligent, let him listen.  For the paths of the Lord are true and right and good men walk along them.  But sinners trying it will fall.”  INSIGHT – In the Way of the Lord, Watch Your Step 14:9 It is ironic but true that the very path that causes the righteous to stand will cause the wicked to stumble…every time!