What are the Passwords?

O. T. #2058 "What are the Passwords?"

Nov.1, 2021

Hosea 11

LET IT GLOW

Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands.

Serve the LORD with gladness: come before His presence with singing.

Know ye that the LORD He is God: it is He that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are His people, and the sheep of His pasture.

Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise: be thankful unto Him, and bless His name.

For the LORD is good; His mercy is everlasting; and His truth endureth to all generations.  (Psalm 100)

Are we excited when we come together to worship our LORD Jesus? Are we serving Him with gladness? Do we sing His praises with joy?

The sovereign God of the universe has invited you into His presence to serve Him. How could anyone receive such a remarkable invitation with disinterest? What is the password for entrance into His gates and courts? Thanksgiving and praise. God is good and faithful. So, worship Him, trust Him, and obey Him. You won't be disappointed. (Tony Evans)

Jesus Christ in God is our Creator, Sustainer, Savior, and Redeemer.

Do we recognize God for who He is, for what He has done, and for what we are trusting Him to do?

 

LET IT GROW

In verses 1-8, Israel is portrayed as a youth, who is disobedient and judgment must fall upon them because of their unfaithfulness to God. From this point on the emphasis is upon the Lord's love for Israel. God will not give up on Israel, the 10 northern tribes.

God brought Israel out of Egypt because He loved them. It was not because they were worthy or did good works. What did God do for them?

• God taught Israel how to walk-in His ways and commands. (verse 3a)
• He led them along by the hand into the Promised Land. (verse 3b)
• God led Israel with His ropes of kindness and love, lifting the yoke off their neck. (verse 4)

Israel didn't even know or care that it was God who took care of them. (verse 3c) Since Israel refused to repent and return to God, they would be enslaved again, but in Assyria. Their cities will be destroyed, trapping them in their own evil plans. (verses 5-6)

For My people are determined to desert Me. They call Me the Most High, but they don't truly honor Me. (verse 7, NLT)

Then God asks how He can give them up, let them go, and destroy them. (verse 8) Although they deserved it, God will bring His beloved Israel back to Him during the Millennial reign of Christ. The lost tribes are known to God.

LET IT GO

Great are You LORD!

It's Your breath in our lungs, so we pour out our praise to You, Holy God.

You give life; You bring light to the darkness; You give hope; You restore every heart that is broken.

Great are You LORD!

Your grace is enough!

May we let go and thank and praise our God!

Our sin-debt has been paid by Jesus!