Bowing Down or Stubborn as a Donkey?

O. T. #2053 "Bowing Down or Stubborn as a Donkey"

Oct. 25, 2021

Hosea 8-Part 3

LET IT GLOW

Are we too prideful to bow down before our Holy God in worship? Do we bow at the altar to submit to God in prayer? Is our heart broken and we need His help?

O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the LORD our Maker. For He is our God; and we are the people of His pasture, and the sheep of His hand. Today if ye will hear His voice, Harden not your heart, as in the provocation, and as in the day of temptation in the wilderness. (Psalm 95:6-8)

The psalmist calls God's people to demonstrate their submission to Him by bowing before Him, a posture symbolizing the recognition of His sovereignty. Like sheep depend on their shepherd to protect and provide for them, so we, as the people of God's pasture, look to Him for every good thing we need. (Tony Evans)

Are we listening and obeying the Lord Jesus' voice? Or are our hearts hardened and in rebellion.

LET IT GROW

How does Hosea refer to Israel's conduct which merited a sentence of judgment by God?

• Sowing and Reaping-They sowed vanity and reaped a whirlwind; the enemy would harvest their crops of peace and prosperity, benefiting from promises made. (verse 7)
• Worthless Pottery-There would be no grain for them to cook and eat, for Israel would be of no value, no one would fear them, nor want them.
• A Stupid, Stubborn Donkey-They would not turn to God in repentance like a dumb animal loosing its way in the wilderness.(verse 9a)
• A Prostitute-Israel sold themselves for money, bribing the king of Egypt to help them, as well as the king of Assyria to not conquer them. Neither attempt worked, for god was punishing Israel for their idolatry. (verse 9b-10)
• Egyptian Bondage-Hosea mentions Egypt 13 times in his book. Did Israel not learn life lessons while in bondage in Egypt? (verses 11-14)

Practicing idolatry did not please God. Israel's leaders did not teach God's Word and Laws, so the people did not understand the concept of a high priest.

Jesus is our High Priest, interceding for us at the Throne of Grace. Are we offering ourself as a sacrifice on the altar? Are we showing mercy to others? Are we sharing what God has done for us and who He is to the next generation?

LET IT GO

Come and let us bow down and worship our God, our Maker.

He alone is worthy of our praise.

Thank You Jesus for bearing our cross. What amazing love and grace!

You are the King of Glory, above all kings.