Read Hosea 14
The closing
chapter of Hosea begins with a final plea by the prophet to the people of
Israel to turn from their sinful ways.
He appeals for them to sincerely repent and turn to the Lord. The outworking of their repentance will mean
that they would live fully for God including abandoning idolatry. Rather than going through the motions they
must reflect a life fully lived for God.
If the people repent, confess their sins and pray for God’s forgiveness
and return to proper religious practices with true devotion reflected by
genuine faith and love of the Lord they will find God ready to receive
them. By returning to the Lord they
would experience His divine compassion.
God promised to heal their waywardness and love them freely (v. 4). He used three different images in verse five: 1) Dew – God will be like a life-giving water
source of renewed life and strength, 2)
Lily Blossom – Israel will blossom which speaks of having a renewed spiritual
life, 3) Cedar Tree – Israel’s strength
and prosperity will be renewed. Verse
six also contains some incredible imagery: 1) roots shall spread out – this
imagery represents Israel’s expanding kingdom or influence in the world, 2)
beauty like the olive –a symbol of strength and prosperity, 3) fragrance like
Lebanon – references that they will be desirable. People will find rest and refreshment under
the shade of this new tree, Israel. The
nation would once again be fruitful, a faithful people and blessed by God (v.
7). After one last plea for them to be
done with idolatry God likens Himself to a green pine tree who is their source
of power and success. A repentant Israel
will be forgiven and will once again bear fruit, knowing that this fruit comes
from the Lord (v. 8). The closing verse
is like an epilogue to the entire book. The
choice stands before them – obedience or rebellion. The wise will realize the things that Hosea
has been proclaiming, will understand them and choose the path of
righteousness. The rebellious will
stumble. Each person must decide for
themselves.
Prayer and Journaling
1. Just like in the times of Hosea people today must
turn to the Lord with genuine heartfelt repentance with dedication to the
Lord. What does this look like in your
life? In what areas is God pleased with
your walk with Him?
2. Only God can produce real fruit in those who
follow Him (v. 8). Ask the Lord to show
you areas in your life where He has borne fruit in you. Thank Him for this fruit and pray that you
would be eager to give Him the glory and not take credit for His work.
3. Each person has a choice to either walk in
obedience or live in rebellion; there are only two paths. Pray that the lost would learn of their
rebellious ways, seek God, repent and walk in obedience to the Lord. Ask God to show you 1-2 people in your life
who are lost and to show you how you can minister to them.
Outcome
Unfortunately,
neither Amos nor Hosea succeeded in turning the people back to God. The people did not listen to their messages
therefore God was forced to judge the Israelites. Assyria invaded and defeated the Northern
Kingdom approximately 30 years after the warnings of Amos and 10 years after
warnings of Hosea. Their defeat brought
them into exile. The important thing to
remember is that God was fair and just.
He used the prophets to reveal His plans to the people and did not
punish the people without proper warning.
God sent prophets to explain to the people what would happen if they
continued in their wicked ways. Amos and
Hosea were “last chance” prophets sent to warn Israel of what God would be
forced to do if they failed to turn back to Him. Amos was tough, Hosea was tender, but they
both were God’s servants working to bring the people back into obedience. We must remember that God is merciful and
that He never punishes without just cause and without warning His people.
