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God Against Israel (Hos. 4:1-19)
After much warning through many prophets, God reaches a point of discipline. He brings his charge against Israel.
God’s charge was :
- No faithfulness, no love (v.1).
- Cursing, lying, murder, stealing and adultery (v.2).
- Lack of knowledge of God (v.6).
- Priest (leaders) ignored the law of God (v.6).
- Idolatry (v.12).
God always first appeals to us by His kindness, hoping that we would repent. (Rom.2:4). But once we refuse, the
next step is discipline.
However, the Israelites refused to listen to God through his prophets even after the discipline came as a
consequence. So God starts to judge Israel. Judgment follows discipline.
Are we quick to listen to God even when things are going smoothly? Do we need a disaster to change? What are
some of the lessons we have learnt from the hard knocks of life?
Judgment Against Israel (Hos. 5:1-15)
- Israel was reaching a point of no return (v.4).
- Their arrogance was so great (v.5).
- So God was to withdraw Himself from them (v.6).
- God waits for them to repent and admit their guilt (v.15).
Our repentance is turning to God. Admitting our sins and earnestly seeking God.
Have we reached a point of no return? Have we taken God’s discipline lightly?
Returning to God is the best thing we can do, because He can heal us and restore us. His grace and mercy is so great
that He forgives even Israel.
Application :
What motivates you to repent?
Romans 2:4-5
Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, tolerance and patience, not realizing that God's kindness
leads you toward repentance? But because of your stubbornness and your unrepentant heart, you are storing up
wrath against yourself for the day of God's wrath, when his righteous judgment will be revealed
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