Unwavering

Week 2 Day 3

“For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.’

Hebrews 12:11

Discipline is tough. As we saw yesterday, its hard edge of training on the recipient, allows time to examine hearts. Such instruction, empowers the persons to absorb consequences of behavior and opens the route of change. That is good news. There is restoration after discipline.

For many of us, like Israel, the route of change may take a long time. As we continue our study of Hosea, we will read chapters three through seven and note some key points. The chiastic structure of the book introduces a relationship between a husband and wife in chapters 1-3. As the book evolves, we see a correlation between God and his people (chapters 4-14).

The wronged prophet must now deliver the message and heart of a betrayed God.

Please Read Hosea chapters 3-7 today and consider the following questions:

1. In spite of Gomer’s pitiful state on the auction block of slavery, Hosea takes pity on her and buys her back. What does he say to her in chapter 3 verse 3?
2. Who purchased us from our slavery to sin and empowers us to live a better life according to Romans 6:5-11?
3. God’s pursuit of us wayward people is heartwarming isn’t it? Our parent’s longing for our child to travel a path of freedom is innate in all of us because we reflect the image of our loving Father. What do the children of God lack in this message from Hosea?

Hosea 4:1        Hosea 4:6        Hosea 4:14

• Their lack of knowledge is not a mind issue though, is it? It is really the same issue we all encounter in our own lives and the people we love. It’s a heart issue. Take a peek ahead at the following verses to see what I mean:

Hosea 4:1        Hosea 7:6        Hosea 7:14      Hosea 9:1        Hosea 9:10

Hosea 10:2      Hosea 13:6     

• It seems to be a twofold problem for the people of Israel. They like the culture around them and they lack proper leadership to steer them away from destruction. Who does the prophet address in Hosea 4 and what does he say? (vs 4-6)
• God calls Israel and us to repentance, he is always giving the opportunity to learn from the consequences of our behavior.  Summarize below what the prophet says in chapter 5 verses 1-4?
• Yes, discipline is tough. What does God hope to accomplish for His wayward children according to chapter 5 verse 15 through 6:3?
• Although, they like Adam violated the covenant (6:7), God is faithful in His discipline, what does he see in the future? (Ch. 7:1)

I know we don’t see this future return in this chapter or in the remainder of this book of sacred text. However, we do see it through Christ Jesus as this love story plays out in the New Testament.

The purpose and intent of God’s discipline cannot be underestimated or overlooked. He is a loving God who gives time and warning for his people to turn from their idolatry, drinking, violence, and sexual sin.

The sin is exposed openly in the harsh words of the prophet to shed light on the behavior that causes death. In hopes that, examining the heart will bring remorse and encourage change. As difficult at it is, we cannot underestimate the power of discipline.

Hebrews 12:9-11 English Standard Version (ESV)

Besides this, we have had earthly fathers who disciplined us and we respected them. Shall we not much more be subject to the Father of spirits and live? For they disciplined us for a short time as it seemed best to them, but he disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness. For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.