Based on Hosea 6- 7 and Matthew 9:13
Do we understand how much the Lord longs for His people?
This is the question that comes to my mind.
Do we really understand how much He longs for us?
Throughout His Word we can find this is very true.
In Hosea chapter 6, the prophet was instructed to call the people of Israel to repent, return to the Lord from their wickedness.
At the same time Hosea was personally dealing with his own love life with a women named Gomer. God granted Hosea to marry her because Hosea longed for her, even knowing that her background was of an adulterous character like her relatives. She would have three children which God would give names for to Hosea, all their names are symbolically related to the times of Israel’s backsliding. First child’s name meant – I will break Israel’s army. The 2nd ones meant -not pitied. And the 3rd ones name meant-not my people. Gomer would influence them to be like her. She also would eventually leave Hosea for her old lifestyle.
Which also happened with Israel.
God told Hosea to go buy her back with 15 shekels and barley which he did from another lover whom she was actively committing adultery with. (I’m sure there’s more to the amount, another post.)
And while He was telling Hosea what would happen, He also told us that “there would come a time when His people would choose one leader (Jesus Christ) and that the time is coming when you will be able to call your brothers, God’s people, and your sisters “loved by God.” These are those who have the testimony of Jesus.
All this to say – God will pay the price to right the wrongs.
Which He ultimately did, in giving Himself in His son Jesus Christ.
After reading both Hosea and Matthew I also went into the Clear word which plainly shares what the Lord says :
“What am I going to do with you , Israel? What am I going to do with you , Judah? Your love for me is like the morning mist, like dew that disappears when the sun comes out. I have sent my prophets to you again and again warning you of judgment to come. My requirements were as clear as lighting flashing across the sky. You knew that I wanted your love, not more animal sacrifices. I desired a relationship with you not more burnt offerings. Just like Adam I made a covenant with, who sinned knowingly, you too turned against me and broke the covenant I had made with you. You are living in Gilead a city full of evil. I see all the horrible things. I also have set a time for those of you to be punished if you continue to do wickedly.
Whenever I think about about healing my people and restoring their land, I look and see wickedness and all the evil they do, it never occurs to the wicked I see everything they do and that I don’t just overlook it. All burning with lust like an oven . All who mock those who do good and plan evil against them. They say I am their King but then ask their idols to protect them. Their arrogances testifies against them and in spite of all that happens they still will not turn to the Lord for help. ”
You need to study the scriptures to see what God meant when through Hosea He said, “what I desire is mercy in the hearts of my people, not more animal sacrifices. I have not come to call those who think they are righteous into the kingdom , I have come to call sinners.
Sounds very much like longing – both in Hosea the Old Testament and Matthew the New Testament.
My personal takeaway, if we do not give mercy and seek repentance then we are guaranteed a final ending. God has done everything to secure our life. He longs for us to accept His gift and hold onto His hand.
Please listen! Hear the word of the Lord.
Rejecting the Lords invitation will end your life, eternally.
The hour of judgment comes soon, do not say: “tomorrow, I will come to the Lord” because tomorrow may not come, we are not promised that, today could be your last.
Do you want to recommit your life to Jesus?
All you have to do is give Him your heart and follow His Word.
In Christ Love, Amen