Join our Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/2183117951984132/?source_id=181918175166472

July 21st

The bible reading today is in Hosea chapters 8-14.

“Set the trumpet to your lips! One like a vulture (Assyria) is over the house of the Lord (Israel) because they have transgressed my covenant and rebelled against my law.”

‭‭Hosea‬ ‭8:1‬ ‭ESV‬‬

The Silver Trumpets of Moses’ Tabernacle days, 700 years before today’s reading, were originally used to call the assembly of Israel to worship Yahweh or to battle God’s enemies. Today, God commands the “trumpets” to call the Assyrians to attack Israel because they rebelled against God’s law.

What condemning imagery. Trumpets used for something other than what God created them for, thus calling out the hypocrisy in Israel. Pointing the divine finger at the pretense in the land of God’s promise.

God saying to Israel...“You are only actors...You’re not really my chosen ones...and you pretend to love me, while you love others more.“To me they cry, “My God, we—Israel—know you.””

‭‭Hosea‬ ‭8:2‬ ‭ESV‬‬

But their cries were not sincere. If they had truly known God, they would have desired to do His will and not their own. Their appeals were not truthful, they were just for show.

It reminds me of the words of Jesus. Matt. 7...“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’”

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭7:21-23‬ ‭

Hosea was telling many in Israel that they may claim to know about God, but they have missed all-together a personal faith relationship with God.

“I have written for Israel the great things of my law, but they were considered a strange thing by them.”

Hosea 8:12.

God had so many great things for Israel, according to his word, but they seemed too “strange” for many Israelis because their hearts were far from Him.

“I have written for him great things...” This tells us who the author of our Bible is...”This volume is the writing of the living God. Each letter was penned with an Almighty finger. Each word in it dropped from everlasting lips. Each sentence was dictated by the Holy Spirit.” We agree with you, bro Spurgeon.

“...great things...” The bible’s content. The bible speaks of the greatest and most important things in life and eternity. There is nothing in this book that is unimportant. Every verse and chapter in the bible has a solemn meaning for us.

May this book of books be “read by us often” and “thought upon” day and night. Through Hosea, God was warning of judgment to come upon unfaithful Israel. “For Israel has forgotten his Maker.”

As many times as God has used texts like Hosea, over the years, to awaken my own lethargic heart back to my Savior, I have to believe that Hosea’s strong message got the attention of many In Israel before the Assyrian siege and captivity.

God’s judgment of Israel was sure. And so was His love. That’s why He sent the broken-hearted preacher to them. Hopefully, many of them woke up too, and truly believed God’s great things for them.

Lord Jesus thank You for Your death burial and resurrection for our eternal salvation. All that You have for us is good...even when it seems strange to us.

May we be judged a faithful bride for You and Your glory O Lord.

Have a great day