Text: Hosea 9:1-17
Hosea is probably writing this after the Assyrians took many Israelites captive in 733 B.C. More raids would follow, until the country was completely wiped out in 722 B.C. The warnings have not been taken seriously; therefore, the consequences have come as promised (vv.3, 5). They can no longer rejoice as they should in their holy festivals, because they are now very far from home.
These festivals are precious and important, and they will miss home and cry when they think of these special times. These celebrations are especially
important because they are reminders of God’s covenant faithfulness, especially when life was hard in the Wilderness for forty years. Yet, they are now facing an Egyptian-like captivity in the Land of Assyria. It is so important for you and I to repent and change when the Holy Spirit prompts us to do so. We often do not realise how precious our family and home are, until it is suddenly taken away.
Here is the radical difference: Hosea is called a crazy madman while in fact he is carefully watching over the Words and Ways of Yahweh (vv.7-8). Hosea now begins to describe himself as a ‘watchman’, one who looks out for danger and warns. He has been doing that all along, all the while accused of hating his brothers. Nothing could be more loving than to confront those who are stubborn in their sins. To call others to wake up, and realise that what they are doing is destructive, is important and necessary. You do not need to wait for your pastor or Bishop to help those who suffer from their own sin. You and I are called to be men and women “of the spirit” like Hosea, to warn and confront others in love. Who in your life needs to be loved and helped in this way?
Meditate on verse 3. How are you going to respond to it?
Our heavenly Father, I pray You forgive and cleanse our land of evil, with the blood of Jesus Christ. In the name of Jesus Christ I have prayed. Amen.