December 8, 2015
The Old Testament prophets usually referred to Israel in the feminine gender. Hosea continued that tradition by beginning his book with references to Israel’s “harlotry,” even being called of God to take a “wife of harlotry” to illustrate the depth of Israel’s sin. But here, Hosea quoted the Lord calling Israel “My son.” No doubt this passage must refer to Israel being led out of bondage in Egypt. Yet, the switch to the masculine must signal something more. Matthew certainly thought so, for he quoted this verse as being fulfilled in Christ when Joseph carried him to Egypt to escape Herod’s persecution (Matt. 2:15). There are over 300 messianic prophecies in the Old Testament and Christ fulfilled every one.
December 5, 2015
God called the prophet Hosea to illustrate Israel’s idolatry by taking a harlot for a wife. Another detail of God’s character was here revealed. His love for Israel is like a husband’s jealous love (Exclusive love, not like the world’s jealousy). And when Israel worshiped other gods or burned incense to the baals, it was as adultery against God. Yet, God’s mercy and forgiveness are also revealed, in that He had plans to buy His people back from adultery. So, He had Hosea go and do the same (Hos. 3:2). God did all this so that in the “latter days” the children of Israel would return and seek the Messiah, which is Christ the Lord (“David their king”). This is still an unfulfilled prophecy, but a day is coming when a great revival will occur among the Jews and many will finally receive Christ as their Messiah.
December 7, 2014
God had provided one way for the Israelites to have their sins forgiven, one altar, in one place called Jerusalem. Yet, they chose to build their own altars according to their own desires. They rejected God’s redemption by building their own means of morality. As if their sins were not great enough, this man-made religion was perhaps their greatest sin. In trying to cover their own sins, they multiplied them. This is a foreshadowing of how many have rejected God’s Son today. God provided Jesus as the only means for our redemption from sin, the only way to be reconciled to God. He is the fulfillment of the Jewish sacrificial system, which always pointed to Him. Yet, people today continue to build their own altars, declaring themselves good based on their own thinking. They say, “I have no need of a Savior. My sins did not crucify Jesus. I think He was a good man, a good teacher, but I’m doing fine on my own.” And in saying this they multiply their own sin.
December 6, 2013
The prophet Hosea records this stinging accusation from God about Israel. Notice how God lists His concerns: First, He describes the brokenness of their relationship with Him, then He details the brokenness of their relationships with one another. As it regarded their relationship with God, He accused them of three “No”s– No faithfulness, no love, and no knowledge. These three “no”s were not only God’s priority concern, but they also led to His secondary concern, namely the breakdown of their human relationships, both family and civilization. In summary, they failed to keep the Great Commandment: Love God and love your neighbor as yourself.
December 7, 2012
There is an answer for the nation that is under God’s judgment: Return to the Lord and desire to know Him. God is faithful. If we repent and desire to know Him, He will restore us and reveal Himself to us, just as surely as the coming dawn. This is the antidote for the nation that has lost the “knowledge of God” (Hos.4:1). Let us pursue knowing our God and let us teach the nations about Him.
December 6, 2012
The prophet Hosea was called to warn Israel as a nation. Israel’s unfaithfulness was considered adultery, as God called Himself Husband and Israel, His bride. Hosea warned that God had removed his favor and protection from Israel. Among Israel’s many sins was that there was “no knowledge of God” in the land any more. Is there “knowledge of God” in our nation? If not, be careful where you point the blame because God blamed Israel’s priests (Hos.4:4). Who are today’s priests? (Answer: 1 Peter 2:9).
December 7, 2011
In the midst of a scathing critique and judgment on Israel, the prophet pauses to declare this word of promise. On the third day there will be a resurrection that will make it possible for us to live in God’s presence. Jesus has fulfilled this prophecy.
December 5, 2011
Among the hardest instructions a prophet ever heard from the Lord. Not only are you to preach, but I want you to experience and illustrate My hurt at Israel’s adultery. God’s love for us exposes even Him to hurt.