Hosea 1
Going back in time before the exile, the kings of Judah, Hosea prophesies for around 38 years and shortly after the ministry of Amos.
His life like so many prophets was an image of the message God was speaking through him. The major event of his life was that he married a prostitute who was unfaithful to him, but he received her back. In the same way God is incredibly loyal to His unfaithful people.
Let’s see what God says in this fist chapter:
God can see everything.
He can see people departing from Him, v2-3
He can see the powerlessness of His people, v4-5
He can see the lack of love v6-7
However, in the same location a reversal can take place. Never say God cannot. In the most unlikeliest of places God can. And He just may! For God can see what will be.
He sees numerical growth, v10
He sees unity, v11
He sees a new style of leadership, one who will come up out of the land. Whatever situation they are in, they can be rescued from within, God can raise the rescuer from among them.
It’s a new day.
And who does God use? The man who was so negative previously (v4) but now being used positively, v11.
Leading to a new situation of joy in 2:1
Don’t write anyone off. Even the worst can be the best.
I wonder what God sees when He looks at the worst negative person in your life?! A Jezreel? Maybe He thinks He can use such a person!
Missions Paul 