Some don’t stay long enough in the Minor Prophets because they see it as too gloomy. They don’t want to be warned they want pats on the back. They don’t want to be corrected they want encouragement to carry on regardless.
Hosea wouldn’t probably get booked for the guest speaker in conferences and churches today. It’s not what we want to hear. But it is certainly what we need to hear.
“Ephraim feeds on the wind; he pursues the east wind all day and multiplies lies and violence. He makes a treaty with Assyria and sends olive oil to Egypt” Hosea 12 v1
Why would we want to be satisfied on things that amount to nothing? (Feeds on the wind)
Why would we want to chase after things that are harmful to us? (the east wind was the scorching desert wind)
Why would we want to make close friendships with people who only want to control our lives? (Assyria)
Why would we want to seek security for our lives from man? (Egypt)
Why would we do those things when as God’s people we can get all those things from Him and a relationship with Him?
The multiplication of lies and violence is not against anyone but ourselves.
Our pursuit of hedonistic idols and selfish gain only leads to emptiness, harm, intimidation and being controlled by others.
When will this stop? That’s the timeless message of Hosea.
Missions Paul 