Unwavering Day 2

Week 2

Day 2

I’m learning as we study this book, that Hosea is a young prophet during the time of his contemporaries, Isaiah and Amos. His first message from the Lord was to marry a promiscuous woman, Gomer.

The first child born of this woman for Hosea is Jezreel, which means “God sows; what is scattered”. My study bible states this is the only child ‘clearly’ designated as Hosea’s child. The name draws attention to the day of judgment on Israel but also to God’s promise to restore His relationship with His people. (HCSB, 2018, p. 1395)

In chapter one of Hosea we see the Lord announce His intent to bring bloodshed upon the house of Jehu in order to avenge the bloodshed of Jezreel, the town where Jehu had brought God’s judgement on the house of Omri. This story of annihilation for Ahab and Jezebel is found in 2 Kings chapter 9 if you want to read that historical account.

Now that we have a little historical background, we can ask questions about our first chapter. Please read Hosea ch. 1 and 2

1. What do you think of God’s instruction to Hosea in 1:2?
2. If we place ourselves in this ancient time period, (where women were basically property, and the punishment of adultery is death, by stoning) what characteristic of God begins to emerge?
3. God’s intention for the Northern Kingdom of Israel is clear, what is it? (vs 5)
4. The second child of Gomer, is Lo-Ruhamah (not loved, or my bible says, no compassion). What does God clarify about the Northern Kingdom Israel? (vs 6)

And who receives compassion? (vs 7)

• Gomer conceives again, and God says name Him, Lo-Ammi (not my people) what do you think this means for the covenant with Israel? (vs 8)

The Holman Christian Standard study bible says God is temporarily suspending His covenant with the northern kingdom. A reversal of God’s protection of Israel from Egypt when He rescued them from slavery (Exodus 6:7)  (HSCB, 2018, p. 1396).

We see a perfect and Holy God cannot tolerate self-destructing practices among the people He lovingly created. The harsh consequences for sin are felt throughout generations. We see it today among our own culture. The boundaries of safety set forth in the ten commandments are not just rules to kill our joy. They are for our protection. As people continually break these bounds of protection, their self-inflicted pain and suffering increase.

But God! His Mercy is never ending and His extension of grace reaches through our rebellion to pull us out of misery and despair! He cannot stand to see us suffer and offers a solution.

• We see a name change of two of the children in chapter two verse 1. What are they now called?
• When we read verses 2-13 pay attention to what appeals to Gomer (Israel) and maybe what is more appealing to us than what God offers. Make a numbered list below and any comparisons you can think of:

We see the similarities, don’t we? However, are you ready for God’s mercy after some sharp discipline? Please read through chapter 2:14-23 and answer the following questions:

• What is God’s first act of mercy in vs 14?
• What is promise is restored in verse 18?
• God says to Israel in verse 19, I will take you to be my wife forever, what four qualities does He list:

I will take you to be My wife in ________________, ____________, __________, and ______________.

The poetic justice, love and mercy of our God is displayed in the story of Hosea. We see a restoration of a disciplined people and the promise of a faithful God.  He opens the sky and the earth to produce their food. We can relish in the His endurance as we close chapter two: The earth produces their provision; He displays his compassion on “No compassion” and calls them “My People” who are “Not my People”.

I am reminded of Hebrews chapter 12 as we close out this chapter of Hosea. If you have time to read that today please do so, it will lighten your heart in the area of how God is working through this pandemic to bring our people back to Him. Here is a teaser for you:

“My son, do not take the Lord’s discipline lightly or faint when you are reproved by Him, for the Lord disciplines the one He loves and punishes every son he receives. Endure suffering as discipline: God is dealing with you as sons. For what father does not discipline? But if you are without discipline—which all receive—then you are illegitimate children and not sons. (Hebrews 12:5-8)

I am learning so much! No matter how unfaithful we are to God, He continues to pursue us! Does that make you just stop and wonder with awe?

Jesus is our great hope and God’s ultimate sign of his faithfulness and discipline turns our wayward eyes towards Him! Praise God!

Thank you for studying with me, let’s consider the following each day we study:

What is God speaking to my heart today? How can I pray through my own circumstances and how can I pray for you? Let me know!