Today we would be looking at Justice & Mercy Hosea 1
When one is picking friends or a partner, one generally looks for love, trust and loyalty.
As the feelings and acts of distrust or disloyalty can ruin relationships.
In the book of Hosea, God was giving an object lesson to the people of Isrealite through the prophet. God asked Hosea to marry a woman who is promiscuous who has the high likelihood of not remaining faithful to their marriage vows.
In this study, the tools we would use for this study are
- Who, What, When, Where, and How tool
- What does it mean?
- How does it apply to me today?
So let’s dig in and turn the bible to Hosea 1
Who, What, When, Where, and How tool
God instructed Hosea to marry a promiscuous wife and have children with to signify the unfaithfulness of Israel
Hosea did, he married Gomer and had children.
His first child was a boy God told him to call Jezreel ( to show the judgement that was about to happen)
Hoesa’s 2nd child was a girl God told him to call Lo-Ruhamah (not loved)
God will not show love or forgive Israel
Gomer had another son nd the Lord instructed he be called Lo- Ammi ( not my people)
you are not my people and I am not your God
In a place where they are not called the people of God, they will be called “children of the living God ”
Judah and Israel will come together and appoint one leader
What does it mean?
Hosea have been proheying to Isrealit about their sins of idolatry since the 10 tribes broke union with the other 2 tribes. They have consistently gone against God’s commands in an increasing show of disregard and sin from one king’s reign to another.
The character of Gomer would have been known to those around and but it would have been a shock to find her as a suitable bride for the prophet. The news of which would have stopped everyone in their tracks to pay attention.
Hoesa’s 2nd child was a girl God told him to call Lo-Ruhamah (not loved). This name and child would have been a constant reminder to prophet Hosea, his family and his community.
God will not show love or forgiveness to Israel. There is a link between forgiveness and love. Israel cannot expect to continue in her idolatry without facing its consequences.
Gomer’s 3rd child, a boy, is called Lo- Ammi ( not my people). God was bringing judgement on Israel. They will not be called God’s people. They will see God’s judgement as the people of Israel will no longer have the covering protection and provision of God.
Yet the Isrealites will remain numerous as the sea sand ( a continuous fulfilment of the promise God made to Abraham in Genesis)
In a place where they are not called the people of God, they will be called “children of the living God ” There is a hope of restoration of Israel to God. After repentance then restoration begins.
Judah and Israel will come together and appoint one leader ( a restoration of the generational rife between Judah & Israel).
How does it apply to me today?
Well what does it mean for us today. A continued enjoyment of God’s blessings despite continuous and willinfully continuing in sin should not be seen as an excuse to sin. For God gives mercy and many chances for repentance as the scriptures say
God is not mocked. If a person or people does continue then there will be a time of God’s judgement.
2 Corinthians 6-7: As God’s co-workers we urge you not to receive God’s grace in vain.
Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.
2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.