Hosea 10:1-15: Overgrown with Thorns and Thistles

The LORD’s vineyard Israel continues to produce only idolatrous fruit. When He promises that He will bring His judgment, Israel still refuses to turn to Him. Instead, they mourn for their worthless idol as it is carried off into exile. Because the people have refused to dwell with the LORD in His presence, He gives them only the thorns and thistles that grow east of Eden. Even now, the LORD still calls His people to seek Him in repentance, and He promises His blessing. The fact that Israel only continues in their impenitence makes God’s grace to them—and to us—all the more astounding. Rev. Zelwyn Heide, pastor at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Hanover, ND and Zion Lutheran Church in New Salem, ND, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Hosea 10:1-15. To learn more about St. Peter and Zion Lutheran churches, visit stpeterzion.org.  “Majoring in the Minors” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that goes through the books of Hosea, Joel, Jonah, Micah, and Nahum. Although the books of these prophets are shorter, the Word of God they preached was important in the years leading up to the coming of the Christ, and that Word remains important for the Church today. Just as we still need to listen to their call to repentance over our idolatry, so we still need to heed their call to trust in the Savior, Jesus.  Sharper Iron, hosted by Rev. Timothy Appel, looks at the text of Holy Scripture both in its broad context and its narrow detail, all for the sake of proclaiming Christ crucified and risen for sinners. Two pastors engage with God's Word to sharpen not only their own faith and knowledge, but the faith and knowledge of all who listen. Submit comments or questions to: [email protected]