11-12-2023 God's Beloved Children (Hosea 11:1-9)

God's Beloved Children Hosea 11:1-9 Hosea 1:2 When the Lord first spoke to Hosea, he said this to him: Go and marry a woman of promiscuity,and have children of promiscuity,for the land is committing blatant acts of promiscuityby abandoning the Lord. Hosea is the story of God's faithful love in spite of Israel's desire for other gods (promiscuity).  Jezreel- son #1, vs. 1:4 Lo-ruhamah- daughter #1, vs. 1:6 Lo-ammi- son #2, vs. 1:8 Jezreel- "Valley of Massacre" Lo-ruhamah- "No compassion" or "Not beloved" Lo-ammi- "Not my people" "I will put an end to the house of Israel." "The Lord will no longer have compassion on Israel." "For you are not my people, and I am not your God." Hosea 11:1-4 1 When Israel was a child, I loved him,and out of Egypt I called my son. 2 Israel called to the Egyptianseven as Israel was leaving them.They kept sacrificing to the Baalsand burning offerings to idols. 3 It was I who taught Ephraim to walk,taking them by the hand,but they never knew that I healed them. 4 I led them with human cords,with ropes of love.To them I was like onewho eases the yoke from their jaws; I bent down to give them food. Hosea 11:5-7 5 Israel will not return to the land of Egyptand Assyria will be his king,because they refused to repent. 6 A sword will whirl through his cities;it will destroy and devour the bars of his gates,because of their schemes. 7 My people are bent on turning from me.Though they call to him on high,he will not exalt them at all. Hosea 11:8-11 8 How can I give you up, Ephraim? How can I surrender you, Israel? How can I make you like Admah? How can I treat you like Zeboiim? I have had a change of heart; my compassion is stirred! 9 I will not vent the full fury of my anger; I will not turn back to destroy Ephraim. For I am God and not man, the Holy One among you; I will not come in rage. 10 They will follow the Lord; he will roar like a lion. When he roars, his children will come trembling from the west. 11 They will be roused like birds from Egypt and like doves from the land of Assyria. Then I will settle them in their homes. This is the Lord’s declaration. The story of Hosea 11 is the story of a parent who refuses to give up on their children. God has chosen a people and loved these people. No sinfulness, no idol worship, no stubborness to repent, can overcome the love of a God who desires to pull you into Himself as a parent holds a child. Jezreel- God sows/Valley of Massacre Lo-ruhamah- No compassion/Not beloved Lo-ammi- Not my people Hosea 2:19-23 19 I will take you to be my wife forever.I will take you to be my wife in righteousness,justice, love, and compassion. 20 I will take you to be my wife in faithfulness,and you will know the Lord. 21 On that day I will respond—this is the Lord’s declaration.I will respond to the sky,and it will respond to the earth. 22 The earth will respond to the grain,the new wine, and the fresh oil,and they will respond to Jezreel. 23 I will sow her in the land for myself,and I will have compassionon Lo-ruhamah;I will say to Lo-ammi:You are my people,and he will say, “You are my God.” Jezreel- God sows Ruhamah- I have compassion, My beloved Ammi- You are my people We believe a child is a part of our community when he or she is prayed for. My job is for ______________ to know they have a new name. 1. We pray for our children. 2. We live as people of character. 3. We remember that the Kingdom looks to children as the example of faith. We must slow down and recover the delight of a child. Delight is peace.