THOUGHTS ON HOSEA 7
THEME: THE PAIN OF BETRAYED GRACE
Main Verse
Hosea 7:15
“I trained and made them strong, yet now they plot evil against me”
Supporting Verses
Matthew 23:37
Jerusalem! Jerusalem!!, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often i have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you are not willing”
John 1:11
HE came to that which was HIS own, but HIS own did not receive HIM.
Isaiah 1:2
Hear, O Heavens, and give ear, O Earth
For the LORD hath spoken, I have nourished and brought up children, and they have rebelled against me.
This chapter reflects the deep pain of divine betrayal. GOD empowered Israel over the years , politically, physically, and militarily.
He was their source of strength throughout history, delivering them from Egypt, guiding them through the wilderness, and bringing them into a land flowing with milk and honey. Yet time without number, Israel, + their nobles and kings, after getting all these, will turn around and use them to serve foreign gods.
It is GOD’s heart desire to bless and heal Israel, but HE can not work against HIS own principles. HE cannot overlook Israel’s progressive corruption and decay as likened to a hot oven – burning without restraint.. They have established a predictable pattern
– They would cry to the LORD, HE would rescue them and then they would choose to forget GOD & HIS statutes and rather crave alliance to these same nations that had put them in bondage and even go as far as serving their gods.
Bringing it home, over the years, GOD has personally invested in the church. HE has graciously given us spiritual gifts, growth, influence and success and fought all our battles for us on all sides.
But what does HE get in return? HIS children use HIS grace to further their own selfish plans and purposes. Even our alliances and associates are not godly, yet we expect HIM to hear us when we call.. GOD sees all this.
Take away
The gifts GOD gave us are not for personal consumption.
So the question we should ask ourselves are:
– “Are we using these gifts ( talents, platforms, opportunities, breakthroughs, wisdom) to honour or resist GOD?”
– Do we still acknowledge the one who empowered us when success comes or we attribute it to our own effort or our alliances and associates?
It is time we express true gratitude in response to GOD’s investment in our lives.
Prayer Point
Oh GOD, help me never to take your grace for granted. Forgive me, LORD, any where I have misused my gifts and help me never to get over what you have done for me in the mighty name of JESUS, Amen
