A great lesson in forgiveness. A great prophecy for the Northern Kingdom. A great warning to the unfaithful. ⭐️

The Lord will show Israel mercy after a time of spiritual discipline. Hosea must purchase his wife back out of slavery for a second period of unfaithfulness. This displays God’s faithfulness to us, though none are deserving.

Hosea prophesied that God will punish and discipline the nation Israel, like an unfaithful bride, so that her heart will change.

God calls Hosea to marry, start a family, but warns him that his bride, his marriage will be unfaithful. He will represent God’s love for the nation Israel. What amazing insight we have into God’s heart for his people.

As Jesus Christ loved us, we should love him back. We do this by our verbal praise, sharing our possessions, and doing good works. We also do this by being obedient to our leaders in God’s word, and prayerful for others. The benediction ends with a call to maturity in the Gospel of Jesus Christ, being accomplished through Jesus Christ.

Living a life of love. This is what it looks like. It’s all based on Jesus Christ - a person for all and God for all. He is your helper through anything. What can man do to you? Jesus sacrificed for us. We need to sacrifice for him, with our praise, possessions and performance.

We can be encouraged because of Jesus Christ, we have a kingdom that cannot be shaken. We need to be thankful to God for such a precious gift. We also should be encouraged as how we love one another. Jesus Christ is our helper. We have nothing to fear. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday today and forever.

We have encouragement to endure - in Christ, in adoption as God’s children, and in a new kingdom, the living city of the living God! Those who are with Christ are there with him now in festal gathering. Wow what a picture of encouragement for us to endure. ⭐️

When suffering comes, God encourages us to endure as he disciplines us for our own good, so that we may see his righteousness.

Be encouraged, no matter if you are suffering, by the cross of Christ.