Monday, 4 March 2013

Amos 8:4-9:15, Hosea 1 & 3 The God who woos and wins

Social injustice is symptomatic of the problem - it shows the neglect they have for others and reveals their hearts.  

The 7 forms of judgment in 8:7-14 are:

Not forgetting
The land being stirred
The sun going down at noon
Religious feasts becoming times of mourning and weeping
Famine throughout the land - a famine of the words of the Lord
Men & women will faint as a result
They will fall & never rise again

These judgments are connected with the sin of the nation - the things they took for granted are now the areas where they face judgment.  

Judgment is part of the purposes of God, however, it is also part of His perfect plan for restoration.  He will redeem and buy back His people.

Hosea 1 & 3

Hosea was attentive and obedient to the word of the Lord.  His eyes were on Him and He guided him.

Hosea was aware that Gomer was adulterous, but was probably unaware of what she would do when married.  However, he saw God's hand throughout it all and helped him understand and then illustrate what Israel's unfaithfulness meant to God.  

God is the perfect craftsman - He knows exactly what He is doing and His ways are perfect.  Hosea buys back Gomer, but then disciplined her for a time - it is all part of his perfect love and plan.  

Hosea illustrates what Israel has done to God and then says "God says" - which brings it much closer to home and points the finger directly at Israel, showing what they have done.

The promise of God alluring Israel back and giving her back all she lost out on, showing her love and compassion.  God promises to woo her and win her.  The chapter illustrates what God has done and is doing with His people today.

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