A Ray of Hope

O. T. #2042 "A Ray of Hope"

Oct. 8, 2021

Hosea 5-Part 2

I will go and return to My place, till they acknowledge their offence, and seek My face: in their affliction they will seek Me early. (verse 15

LET IT GLOW

What a ray of hope found in the midst of judgment for Israel, the Northern Kingdom. Sin-sick Ephraim (Israel), sick nigh unto death, will go to the king of Assyria (Jareb), but he will not heal them, nor cure them of their wounds. They went to a quack doctor. Only through repentance of idolatry would God (Jehovah Raphe) and could  He heal them of their sicknesses.

Liberty Bible Commentary explains:

God's purpose is not punitive; it is therapeutic. He will withdraw from His people with the purpose of causing them to seek Him; and just as certainly as the judgment will fall, so certainly will come their repentance, though the judgment is essential; for they would not seek His face without it.

This ray of hope is coming for the remnant as we read later in chapter 6. We read of the restoration in Nehemiah and Ezra, and in Jeremiah 31:31-34. God will make a new covenant with Israel and it will be in their hearts. Jesus Christ is the One and Only New Covenant, as He saves our soul from the penalties of our sins. His love, grace, and mercy in in our heart when He is our Savior.

Now that is Good News! Have you experienced it, dear one? He is only a breath away. We must seek His face before our breath is taken away. Our God is still on His throne.

 

 

LET IT GROW

Although, in about 20 years, Israel will fall under Assyria's rule, it will take about 130 years for Judah to fall under Babylon's rule. (verse 14)

Israel should have turned to God for healing instead of the king of Assyria. Instead of trusting politics and useless treaties, they needed true repentance and prayer. All the Lord could do was withdraw and wait for them to seek His face in truth and humility.

When Ephraim saw his sickness, and Judah saw his wound, then went Ephraim to the Assyrian, and sent to king Jareb: yet could not heal you, nor cure you of your wound. (verse 13)

LET IT GO

Seek the Lord while He may be found, call upon Him while He is near.

We need Your ray of hope today.

Help us remember that You are in charge, all-powerful, fighting for us, Your children.

Raise us up with Your strength, Jesus, so we are not overtaken nor overcome.

The same power that rose Jesus from the grave can lift us up; that raised the mountains up; calms the raging seas, lives in us.

You alone are our hope, Jesus, for You are our Overcomer.