Family Dynamics (2)

Introduction:

· Two things wrong with “Minor prophets”: “

LET’S LOOK AT GOD’S SPOUSAL LOVE, HIS PARENTAL LOVE AND FINALLY HIS FAITHFUL LOVE FOR HIS PEOPLE.

I) God’s Spousal Love For His People (vv. 1-2)

A. God Desires a Relationship Akin to Marriage

i. Hosea is rooted in history (vs. 1)

1. Israel is divided in two, so each prophet speaks either to north or south

2. Hosea speaks during an economic/political/military high point

ii. God’s Analogy for Hosea (vs. 2)

1. Hosea’s quiet time leads to a shocking answer to prayer

2. Different theories, but: Gomer was probably known for her wandering eye

iii. God is the true spouse that our hearts long for

1. God commits to loving us as deeply, passionately as no other spouse could

2. EXAMPLE: If you are single: “I need to be married and then I’ll be complete” àa crushing burden on your future spouse

3. Only God can love you as deeply and perfectly as you long to be loved

B. Our Unfaithfulness is Akin to Adultery (vs. 2-3A)

i. Our failure to love God is depicted in the most graphic terms

1. Israel’s prosperity à money, power, had seduced them

2. EXAMPLE: Lying in bed scrolling = God + sports? Popularity?

3. Your heart has been seduced by the illusions of happiness elsewhere!

ii. Thus, our sin doesn’t just anger God but tears him apart

1. Some of us see God as a tyrant, or an aloof/indifferent advisor

2. Our sin affects God just as if you caught your spouse in bed with another.

THIS MARRIAGE, IT SEEMS, WAS DOOMED TO FAIL.  AND THEN HOSEA CAME HOME ONE DAY, AND GOMER SAID, ‘I THINK I’M PREGNANT.’

II) God’s Parental Love For His People (vv. 3-9)

A. God Intended to Love as a Parent

i. The (un)happy couple have a family

1. Perhaps Hosea imagined things would improve by starting a family

2. Three children – but only one was his (vv. 3b, 6a, 8b)

ii. God loves as a parent (see Hos. 11)

1. ILLUSTRATION: Sugarcane: a child of infidelity born in  à adopted

2. God had rescued Israel, and loved his child, provided, cared, and protected

B. But We Have Rejected Our Father’s Love

i. How did Israel repay God’s love? Three names tellthe story: (vs. 5)

1. Jezereel was a battle where King Jehu exploded in rage and slaughtered families à God would then put an end to the northern kingdom

2. Lo-Rumah: God’s patience had run out; mercy would give way to justice

3. Lo-Ami: Israel violated God’s covenant thus creating their estrangement

ii. Our story as estranged children

1. You and I are not so different: We resist God’s will or control God

2. EXAMPLE: You want your life to go your way; your rules;

Transition:

III) God’s Faithful Love For His People (vv. 10-2:1)

A. The Promise

i. God’s Covenant would remain intact

1. “Yet”: may be the most important word because it holds out hope

2. The promise of sand on the seashore reinstates covenant hope

ii. God would rename His people (2:1)

1. Hosea hints at a time when God would again name his people

2. Peter applies this to you and me: We would be loved, shown compassion

B. The fulfillment

i. On the cross:

1. The true & greater son would be avenged for our bloodshed

2. The true & greater “son” of God would be punished as a rebellious son

3. The true & greater bridegroom lays down his life for his unfaithful bride

ii. Application:

1. For rebellious & unfaithful: God loves you like no one else can

2. For those who are secure at home: be encouraged!

Transition:

Conclusion

Communion