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| HOSEA ~ THE BACKSLIDER'S BOOK ~ **************************************************** Hosea's name means "salvation", the prophet of domestic distress, he was the "home missionary," Hosea was the Jeremiah of the Northern Kingdom.....both alike scolded the divided kingdom for their backsliding. Hosea's experiences were in his home while Jeremiah's were in his nation. The purpose of the book of Hosea was to illustrate God's love for his sinful people. It was written by Hosea himself to the Northern kingdom of Israel and to God's people everywhere. It was written approximately 715 B. C. recording events from about 753 - 715 B. C. Hosea began his ministry during the end of the prosperous but morally declining reign of Jeroboam II of Israel, (the upper classes were doing well, but they were oppressing the poor). He prophesied until shortly after the fall of Samaria in 722 B. C. Hosea employs many images from daily life: God is depicted as husband, father, lion, leopard, bear, dew, rain, moth, and others; Israel is pictured as wife, sick person, vine grapes, early fruit, olive tree, woman in childbirth, oven, morning mist, chaff, and smoke, to name a few. The key verse in Hosea: 3:1 Then said the Lord unto me, Go yet, love a woman beloved of her friend, yet an adulteress, according to the love of the Lord toward the children of Israel, who look to other gods, and love flagons of wine. So in other words, Hosea was commanded by God to marry a woman who would be unfaithful to him and would cause him many heartaches. WHY?..... To teach a valuable lesson to his people......Just as Hosea's wife (Gomer) lost interest in him and ran after other lovers, that they too could easily lose appreciation for their special relationship with God and pursue dreams and goals that did not include him. When they compromised their lifestyles and adopted the ways of the world, they too were being unfaithful. God wanted the people in the northern kingdom to turn from their sin and return to worshiping him alone, but they persisted in their wickedness. Throughout the book, Israel is described as ignorant of God, with no desire to please him. Israel did not understand God at all, Just as Gomer did not understand Hosea. Like a loving husband or patient father, God wants people to know Him and to turn to Him daily. ****************************************** HOW HOSEA'S LIFE PARALLELS CHRISTIANS TODAY THE NATIONS SIN Just as Hosea's wife, Gomer, was unfaithful to him, so the nation of Israel had been unfaithful to god. Israel's idolatry was like adultery. They sought illicit relationships with Assyria and Egypt in pursuit of military might and they mixed Baal worship with the worship of God Like Gomer, we can chase after other loves....love of power, pleasure, money, or recognition. The temptations in this world can be very seductive. are we loyal to God, remaining completely faithful, or have other loves taken his rightful place? GOD'S JUDGEMENT Hosea solemnly warned Judah against following Israel's example. Because Judah broke the covenant, turned away from God, and forgot her Maker, she experienced a devastating invasion and exile. Sin has terrible consequences. Disaster surely follows ingratitude toward God and rebellion. The Lord is our only true refuge. If we harden our heart against him, there is no safety or security anywhere else. We cannot escape God's judgment. GOD'S LOVE Just as Hosea went after his unfaithful wife to bring her back, so the Lord pursues us with his love. His love is tender, loyal, unchanging and undying. No matter what, God still loves us. Have you forgotten God and become disloyal to Him? Don't let prosperity diminish your love for him or let success blind you to your need for His love. RESTORATION Although God will discipline his people for sin, he encourages and restores those who have repented. True repentance opens the way to a new beginning. God forgives and restores. There is still hope for those who turn their back to God. No loyalty, achievement, or honor can be compared to loving him. Turn to the Lord while the offer is still good. No matter how far you have strayed, God is willing to forgive you. ******************************************** GOD IS WAITING Here we have Hosea A man used by God. To show how betrayal Can change the path you trod. Although he loved his wife, From him she turned away. As sin entered her life, It led her soul astray. Hosea's life was an example For the Isrealites to see, That nothing in life is ample, If you stray, trying to be free. The only path that one can take, Is allowing God in your heart. Give Him authority over your mistakes, And have a brand new start. God is waiting for you to decide, To give Him you life or go astray. He will take your hand and be your guide The decision is yours today. Poem by Shirley Barr References for Hosea: Worlds Bible Handbook 1991 King James Version Bible |
| MUSIC: 'LIFT EVERY VOICE AND SING/ SEQUENCED BY Samuel Tolbertson |
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