When It Is No More

O. T. #2030  "When It Is No More"

Sept. 22, 2021

Hosea 1-Part 4

LET IT GLOW

Here we are again with doom and gloom as we study another prophecy of the destruction of Israel, yet the faithful ones will be restored, though judgment is coming for the northern kingdom, there is hope ahead.

So I thought we could use some encouraging words found in Psalm 91:

I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in Him will I trust. (verse 2)

There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling. (verse 10)

For He shall give His angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. (verse 11)

He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honor him. With long life will I satisfy him, and show him My salvation. (verses 15-16)

Previously, we learned the names of the three children of Hosea and Gomer had meanings. God told the prophet what to name them as a life lesson to Israel.

The first son, named Jezereel, whose name meant God wil sow/scatter, represented the dynasty of Jeroboam I  and successor kings that led Israel into idolatry. Also, Jehu, who killed Ahab and Jezebel, would be killed in the Valley of Jezereel, showing God as the revenger of all the bad kings. (Hosea lived to see all of this transpire as Assyria conquered Israel.)

Is there anything that we give our thoughts, money, time to instead of God? Is there something we depend on more than Him? Is our heart loyal to God or another? do we give glory and praise to something else instead of God? Perhaps we have an idol in our life, if so. It is good to self exam every now and then.  

 

LET IT GROW

The second child was a girl named Loruhamah, (Lorro-khaw-maw')which means not pitied; not compassionate; no mercy.

Her name referred to God's compassion for Israel ending and judgment is imminent. He had been patient with the northern kingdom, sending prophets to warn them, but they would not repent of their sins and turn back to God. The love of God would be withdrawn and no more  mercy is shown.

Although God's love is unconditional, our enjoyment of that love is conditional and depends on our faith and obedience. (Wiersbe)

Although the Assyrians were allowed to swallow up Israel, Judah, the southern kingdom, was protected by God. (verse 7)

The third child was a son named Loammi, which means not my people. As God directed Hosea to name this child such, He was showing that the Lord disowned Israel. He had been longsuffering until Israel was incurable. God removed the covenant made with Israel, like a father disowning his son.

... for you are not my people, and I will not be your God. (verse 9)

Israel had withdrawn and removed its residence and ties with Judah in the south, where Jerusalem was, where the Temple and Ark of God resided. God washed His hands of the matter, one might conclude. (Keep in mind that is always a remnant of believers in God.)

We love God because He first loved us. The same hand that wounded, is stretched forth to heal. (Henry)

Are we willing to confess our sins to God and turn from them?

Will we commit our self to His will and guidance? 

LET IT GO

Surrender our all to God, allowing Him to cleanse our heart, remove a heart of stone, and fill it with His love.

Is it well with your soul?