15 This is what the Sovereign Lord, the Holy One of Israel, says: “In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength, but you would have none of it.” Isaiah 30:15 (NIV)
Chapter 14 - “Serious and sincere repentance routes us back into God’s will.” Robert J. Morgan
“From God’s perspective, one hidden act of repentance, one little gesture of selfless love, one moment of true forgiveness is all that is needed to bring God from His throne to run to His returning son and to fill the heavens with sounds of divine joy.” Henri J. M. Nouwen
Chapter 14 opens on a positive note with God’s call to repentance stating Israel’s sins had been her downfall. Sin will always result in our downfall. Like I have said before, sin always carries with it a death sentence. This call to repentance is a wonderfully kind invitation given by a faithful God towards His sinning people. In all reality, Jesus is the kind invitation offered by our faithful God to the sinning world as well. Remember, God’s desire for us at - all times - is for His wandering ones to return, return, return.
“While there is life, there is hope. The Spirit of God is knocking faithfully at the door. If we repent, mend our ways, throw off our sins, we can yet be used of God to bring healing and help to a dying civilization.” Billy Graham
Read Francine Rivers - Repentance
Repentance does not mean lack of consequence nor does it mean that God is going to give us whatever we desire when we are sorry – no matter how sincere we may be, rather it is an agreement with God over the wrongness, painfulness and destructiveness of our sin. It is truly believing God is right regarding His estimation of it. Repentance is our change of thought process over sin. Instead of embracing it we are to flee from it. It is a total turning from sin to the opposite direction - believing that it is both for our good and God’s glory.
“Repentance is a thorough change of a man’s natural heart on the subject of sin.” J. C. Ryle
“It is only when our sins have been washed in the blood of Christ that we appear white as snow in the eyes of God. No human “detergent” of good works or clean thoughts can make us that white, that pure. Only Christ’s precious blood can do that and it is only His blood that can continue to cleanse us from sin.” Billy Graham
Repentance, therefore, is to be preached even to those who are within the circle of believers as well as to the non-believer. Christians are not perfect rather forgiven. We come daily (sometimes many times a day) to the foot of the cross. Therein is freedom. Only the blood of Jesus can purify us from all our sins. Psalms 37:5 states:
5 Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this: 6 He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun. Psalms 37:5-6 (NIV)
Interestingly, the word translated “commit” literally means to “roll in blood.”
We are to take all our plans to the cross even those which seems most palatable and plausible in our eyes. Not simply make our plans and ask Him to bless it rather bring our plans to Him sincerely asking for Him to show us His way – which may or may not be our way. Leaving our plans in His hands demonstrates our trust in Him - that we believe His will is perfect and His plans for our lives are to prosper and not harm us, giving us hope and a future. The promise of Scripture is that our righteousness would shine like the dawn, the justice of our cause like the noonday sun.
God tells the Israelites that they have stumbled – their idols had proved stumbling blocks for them. Sin is a fall and it behooves those who have fallen by sin to get up again by repentance. It is never too late to turn. The ancient Jews had a saying grounded on this: “Repentance is a great thing, for it brings men quite up to the throne of glory.”
God gives them specific instructions on how to repent and we would do well to heed these also – not as a form to fill out mechanically and check off – rather as a pattern of living in checking our hearts for true repentance. First they were required to take words and not sacrifices and offerings which, btw, God has no need of - rather prayers of repentance – a verbal acknowledgement of our sin. A broken and contrite heart the Lord will never despise. True repentance requires this. The fruit of not only the lips but of the heart as well. To be sure, the heart will dictate the tongue and the actions. We will eventually say and do what our hearts believe to be true. How often we see the proverbial dog going back to his vomit – wallowing in his old ways with no desire to turn? He may have changed his ways for a while but his heart remained unchanged. God is always looking at the heart. True repentance, therefore, is a heart agreement with God over our sin and His holy, rightful estimation of it. We must turn inwardly in our hearts and outwardly with our actions.
“Christians are rapidly losing sight of sin as the root of all human woes. And many Christians are explicitly denying that their own sin can be the cause of personal anguish. More and more are attempting to explain the human dilemma in wholly unbiblical terms: temperament, addiction, dysfunctional families, the child within, codependency, and a host of other irresponsible escape mechanisms promoted by secular psychology. The potential impact of such a drift is frightening. Remove the reality of sin, and you take away the possibility of repentance. Abolish the doctrine of human depravity and you void the divine plan of salvation. Erase the notion of personal guilt and you eliminate the need for a Savior.” John MacArthur
Jesus tells us:
45 The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks. Luke 6:45 (NIV)
There are two things God directs them to petition for: (1) To be acquitted from guilt – “Lord forgive all our sin” – lift it off as a burden or stumbling block which we have often fallen over. Take it all away by a free and full remission, for we cannot strike it off by a satisfaction of our own. Scripture states:
9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives. 1 John 1:9-10 (NIV)
(2) To be accepted as righteous in God’s sight – “receive us graciously” – let us have your favor and love. Receive our prayers graciously; be well pleased with that good which by your grace we are enabled to do. For until iniquity is taken away, we have no reason to expect good from God. Evil is enmity with God. Words are put into their mouths, not to move God, but to move themselves so that they might “offer the fruit of their lips”. Quite literally that means to “offer the calves of our lips”. The idea is that the praise of our lips is as good a sacrifice as is a literal calf. Therefore, we bear great fruit when we worship and praise God – not only when things are going swimmingly well but even when circumstance are not of our choosing – hence the term “the sacrifice of praise”. Hebrews tells us:
15 Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise--the fruit of lips that confess his name. Hebrews 13:15 (NIV)
Habakkuk did this ever so well when we read:
17 Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, 18 yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior. 19 The Sovereign Lord is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to go on the heights. Habakkuk 3:17-19 (NIV)
This simply shows that we know He loves us and that He has our best interest at heart even though we may not be able to discern it at the time. Praise causes our hearts to look up not out and not within. It is setting our hearts and minds on things above. It is a demonstration of faith which is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. Hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he already has? Remember those saints we spoke about last week in Hebrews 11 that the world was not worthy of? They were so other worldly in their perspectives and we are to be that way as well. Paul tells us:
16 Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 17 For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 (NIV)
There was to be a change of life for the Israelites – not only verbal acknowledgment but real reformation. They were no longer to trust in their alliances abroad. Neither Assyria - nor any nation for that matter - could save her and they were not to solicit them for their help when in distress. God did not want them indebted to any foreign power. It reminds me of Abraham when he - because of his nephew Lot - helped Sodom and Gomorrah and would not accept anything from their king’s hand. Genesis tells us:
21 The king of Sodom said to Abram, “Give me the people and keep the goods for yourself.” 22 But Abram said to the king of Sodom, “I have raised my hand to the Lord, God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth, and have taken an oath 23 that I will accept nothing belonging to you, not even a thread or the thong of a sandal, so that you will never be able to say, ‘I made Abram rich.’” Genesis 14:21-23 (NIV)
It is that exact attitude of heart that God is looking for. The One who give the power gets the glory. Indeed, God did not want the Israelites to foolishly look to Egypt for war-horses and mount them as if that would be their source of power. Neither were they to call on their man-made idols for help. They were not to set their hearts on the gains of this world, nor pride themselves in external performances in religious rites.
Pleading words are here put into their mouths – “for in you the fatherless find compassion”. King David states:
4 Sing to God, sing praise to his name, extol him who rides on the clouds -- his name is the Lord-- and rejoice before him. 5 A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling. Psalms 68:4-5 (NIV)
Those may expect to find help in God who are truly aware of their helplessness in themselves and are willing to acknowledge it. They plead God’s habitual lovingkindness to such as those who were in the same condition they discovered themselves to be in. With God the fatherless not only may find – but does find – and shall find – compassion.
The Israelites seek God’s face and they shall not seek Him in vain. He assures them that His anger has turned away from them. This is the groundwork laid for all the other favors promised. He tells them that He will heal their waywardness which echoes Jeremiah:
22 “Return, faithless people; I will cure you of backsliding.” “Yes, we will come to you, for you are the Lord our God.” Jeremiah 3:22 (NIV)
19 Therefore this is what the Lord says: “If you repent, I will restore you that you may serve me.” Jeremiah 15:19 (NIV)
They prayed that God would receive them graciously and He answers that prayer with He would “love them freely”. Paul’s prayer to the Ephesians come to mind:
20 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. Ephesians 3:20-21 (NIV)
“The Holy Spirit is the Comforter, the Helper, the Guide, the very presence of God living in you. The great promise of God in prayer is this: We ask God for the gift- He gives us the Giver. We ask God for the supply and He gives us the Source. We ask God for the money and He doesn't give us cash; instead, so to speak, He gives us the bank...He delights in giving us Himself....The resources of heaven are ready and waiting for the people of God who desire to make much of him in this world.” David Platt
Read Spurgeon’s Morning and Evening page 592
At that time the Lord’s blessing will return to Israel. Like dew, His grace would cause the nation to blossom like a lily which was renowned for its beauty. Israel in her prosperity was also compared to a cedar of Lebanon, whose deep roots, luxuriant growth, and aromatic smell were well known. They would also be compared to the olive tree which was widely recognized for its luxuriance. They shall be graceful and acceptable both to God and man as exampled by comparing them to such pleasant trees. The olive tree is always green and so shall they be. Rites are the beauty of the church. Holiness is the beauty of a soul.
8 But I am like an olive tree flourishing in the house of God; I trust in God's unfailing love for ever and ever. Psalms 52:8 (NIV)
Verse seven could be better translated: “Those who live in His shadow will again raise grain, and they will blossom like the vine. His renown will be like the wine of Lebanon”. Psalm 91 comes to mind:
1 He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. 2 I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” 3 Surely he will save you from the fowler's snare and from the deadly pestilence. 4 He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. 5 You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day, 6 nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday. 7 A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you. 8 You will only observe with your eyes and see the punishment of the wicked. 9 If you make the Most High your dwelling-- even the Lord, who is my refuge-- 10 then no harm will befall you, no disaster will come near your tent. 11 For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; 12 they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone. 13 You will tread upon the lion and the cobra; you will trample the great lion and the serpent. 14 “Because he loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. 15 He will call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. 16 With long life will I satisfy him and show him my salvation.” Psalms 91:1-16 (NIV)
In verse eight the first statement is best translated, “Ephraim shall say, ‘What have I to do any more with idols?’” This is a stark contrast with Ephraim’s earlier attitude. God would work such a change in Ephraim’s heart that he would renounce idolatry. He shall loathe them as much as he ever loved them. God would answer him and care for him proclaiming His concern for Israel. The same God who stealthily watched Israel like a leopard ready to pounce on its prey will become the One who carefully watches over His people to protect them! He would be the nation’s source for prosperity. Their fruitfulness would come from Him.
Hosea ends his Book with a word on wisdom. How great true wisdom is! Scripture tells us:
1 My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you, 2 turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding, 3 and if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, 4 and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, 5 then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God. 6 For the Lord gives wisdom, and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. 7 He holds victory in store for the upright, he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless, 8 for he guards the course of the just and protects the way of his faithful ones. Proverbs 2:1-8 (NIV)
One who is wise and discerning will learn a threefold lesson from Hosea’s message. The ways of the Lord (i.e., His covenantal demands) are right. The righteous walk in them (i.e., obey them) and experience the blessings of loyalty. Deuteronomy tells us:
6 Observe the commands of the Lord your God, walking in his ways and revering him. 7 For the Lord your God is bringing you into a good land--a land with streams and pools of water, with springs flowing in the valleys and hills; 8 a land with wheat and barley, vines and fig trees, pomegranates, olive oil and honey; 9 a land where bread will not be scarce and you will lack nothing; a land where the rocks are iron and you can dig copper out of the hills. 10 When you have eaten and are satisfied, praise the Lord your God for the good land he has given you. Deuteronomy 8:6-10 (NIV)
12 And now, O Israel, what does the Lord your God ask of you but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all his ways, to love him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, 13 and to observe the Lord's commands and decrees that I am giving you today for your own good? Deuteronomy 10:12-13 (NIV)
22 If you carefully observe all these commands I am giving you to follow--to love the Lord your God, to walk in all his ways and to hold fast to him-- 23 then the Lord will drive out all these nations before you, and you will dispossess nations larger and stronger than you. 24 Every place where you set your foot will be yours: Your territory will extend from the desert to Lebanon, and from the Euphrates River to the western sea. 25 No man will be able to stand against you. The Lord your God, as he promised you, will put the terror and fear of you on the whole land, wherever you go. Deuteronomy 11:22-25 (NIV)
The rebellious, however, stumble over obedience to His righteous ways – not in – them in the sense that destruction - stumbling – is the direct result of disobedience. The broken commandments become the ultimate reason for their downfall. May all of us who read Hosea’s words walk and not stumble! We, like they, are given the same opportunity to follow the Lord and serve Him with wholehearted devotion and a willing mind. Remember, what is received influences according to the qualities of the receiver - the same sun which softens wax hardens clay. May we be found faithful to the high calling of our Holy and righteous Father.
Read Spurgeon’s Morning and Evening November 20 – Evening (651)
40 Let us examine our ways and test them, and let us return to the Lord. Lamentations 3:40 (NIV)
These are Beth’s personal notes, due to this fact sources are not often stated.