By Joe Slater Via Bulletin Gold
Hosea wrote during a low point in Israel’s history.
While the nation prospered materially, the people’s
spiritual condition was deplorable. Hmmm. . .sound
familiar?
Despite everything the Lord had done for Israel for
“bent on backsliding from Me” (Hosea 11:7). They actually
believed their prosperity came not from the Lord, but
from their alliances with pagan trading partners. “For
she did not know that I gave her grain, new wine, and
oil, and multiplied her silver and gold – which they
centuries, the unthankful nation was
prepared for Baal” (2:8).
God repeatedly warned His wayward people that He
would take away their blessings and they would suffer
(2:9-13). Because of their false swearing, lying, killing,
and adultery, “therefore the land will mourn, and
everyone who dwells there will waste away” (4:2-3). In
addition, Israel’s idolatry (spiritual harlotry against
God) would result in severe punishment: “Therefore
people who do not understand will be trampled” (4:14).
In loving mercy, the Lord pleaded with Israel to
return to Him. “Come, and let us return to the Lord”
(6:1). “0 Israel, return to the Lord your God (14:1).
“But they do not return to the Lord their God, nor seek
Him for all of this” (7:10). “They return, but not to the
Most High” (7:16)..
Does this sound like Horrible news? Only for those unwilling
to repent and return to God! “I will heal their backsliding and
love them freely” (14:4). Jesus cures us from the fatal disease
of sin: He) bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we
having died to sins, might live for righteousness – by
whose stripes you were healed” (1 Peter 2:24).
Groveland, FL