Within the judgment prophecies of Hosea are clear lessons and pathways to show that whatever is broken, even if it is us, there is hope, anyone can be restored.
In God’s appointed time there will be restoration. Those who are His are never forgotten.
But what is the process for that restoration? What are the signs that God is working towards this season of restoration?
- It is to uncover the sin. God brought to the surface their wicked treatment of one another, 7 v 1-2)
- He breaks up the party, calling His people out from the world, to be different, 7v3.
- He exposes ambitious and competitive fire for what it is, v4-7.
- He brings self-awareness, v8-10.
- He becomes the sole Person we call out to, v 11-15
“Ephraim is like a dove, easily deceived and senseless—now calling to Egypt, now turning to Assyria. When they go, I will throw my net over them; I will pull them down like the birds in the sky. When I hear them flocking together, I will catch them. Woe to them, because they have strayed from me! Destruction to them, because they have rebelled against me! I long to redeem them but they speak about me falsely. They do not cry out to me from their hearts but wail on their beds. They slash themselves appealing to their gods for grain and new wine, but they turn away from me. I trained them and strengthened their arms, but they plot evil against me.” (Hosea 7 v 11-15)
God’s people are portrayed as a silly dove flying from one nation to the other nation seeking help.
When all along they knew that they had the God of the whole Universe they could turn to.
So what will happen is one of those nations, Assyria, will be used to catch them and bring them into exile and servitude.
Who or what you trust eventually becomes your lord.
Who is that?
Who is your Assyria and your Egypt?
Reject them and put your trust in God who is your provider, empowerment and protector.
If you are crying on your ‘beds’ don’t just wail, turn to God. Do what the Psalmist encourages: “… when you are on your beds, search your hearts and be silent. Offer the sacrifices of the righteous and trust in the Lord.” (4:4-5)
Acknowledge the reality of your heart.
Pray.
Trust.
This is the pathway to restoration.
Missions Paul 