This week I will keep it brief. We are looking at chapters 11 and 14 in Hosea today, but first let me remind you that Israel (and Ephraim) have been called a harlot and we see there is going to be punishment. In chapters 11 and 14 we see that this punishment is not going to be forever. In Hosea 11:8 it reads, “My heart is turned over within Me, all My compassions are kindled.” and it goes on to read in verse 9, “I will not execute My fierce anger.” We see that God is going to show them compassion, that He is going to turn away from His anger and show grace, mercy, and compassion to His people. Chapter 14 reiterates this in verses 4-5, “I will heal their apostasy, I will love them freely, for My anger has turned away from them. I will be like the dew to Israel; He will blossom like the lily, and he will take root like the cedars of Lebanon.”

In the midst of chapters of harlotry and consequences, we find hope. Although Israel turned away, God is going to bring them back and show mercy and compassion. So let us focus today on the hope we have in Jesus, and His shed blood. We, like Israel, do not deserve compassion, grace, and mercy, and yet God has given it to us. Let us rejoice and give thanks!

Thanks for reading,

Pastor Josh