Sermons – Grace Evangelical Free Church // Wyoming, MN

Hebrews 1:10-14 And, “You, Lord, laid the foundation of the earth in the beginning, and the heavens are the work of your hands; 11 they will perish, but you remain; they will all wear out like a garment, 12 like a robe you will roll them up, like a garment they will be changed. But you are the same, and your years will have no end.” 13 And to which of the angels has he ever said, “Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet”? 14 Are they not all ministering spirits sent out to serve for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation?

INTRODUCTION

One of the most significant periods of preparation/anticipation in my life began when I was fourteen and a half. For reasons I still don’t fully understand, for a full eighteen months I was absolutely obsessed with getting my driver’s license. As I think back, the amount of time, energy, kissing up to my parents, etc. that I spent getting ready to get my license was truly impressive. I looked forward to going to driver’s training. I didn’t mind getting up early on Saturdays for behind-the-wheel sessions. Once I got my permit I was genuinely eager to drive anyone, anywhere, at any time, for any reason. And on my sixteenth birthday I went to the DMV before school in order to get my license at the earliest possible time. I was entirely consumed in thought, word, and deed. Everything in me was fixed on getting my license.

In short, almost everything Advent is meant to be for Christians, getting my driver’s license was for me. As embarrassing as it is to admit, I have prayed more than once over the past several weeks that I would feel now for Christmas what I felt then for driving on my own.

The question in front of me…and all of you…is this: Why would I long for and anticipate and celebrate something like getting my driver’s license (or a vacation or a date with my wife or a sporting event or hiking with my kids or fishing with friends or a new piece of technology or whatever) more than the coming of God? To word it another way, why don’t I delight in the things of God (especially the coming of God) as I know I should? I’m certain there are several reasons for this, but at the heart of all of them is the simple fact that I don’t see Jesus as he truly is. If I did, nothing would come within a million miles of my affection for him.

The conviction behind this sermon series is that Hebrews 1 is filled with clear descriptions of Jesus as he truly is (infinitely superior to all things) and therefore it is also filled with help for you and I to prepare, anticipate, and celebrate Christmas appropriately.

In other words, if Christmas (or any aspect of our faith) are to have their rightful place in our minds and hearts and lives, it will be because we have come to truly know the supremacy of Jesus by considering his revelation in God’s Word; which is exactly what Pastor Mike and I have been trying to help you with throughout Advent.

Specifically, we’ve been looking at several aspects of the supremacy of Jesus as they show up in Hebrews 1. On the first Sunday of Advent we looked at three in 1:1-4 (Jesus as the Word of God, the sin purifier, and superior to angels). We looked at another the following week in 1:5-6 (Jesus as the Son of God). Last week Pastor Mike helped us see from 1:7-9 that Jesus is the radiance of the glory of God. And this morning, the final Sunday of Advent, we’ll consider three more in 1:10-14 (creator and upholder of the world, eternal and unchanging, and seated at the right hand of God).

Again, our aim in stepping away from Hosea and into Hebrews over these past four weeks is to help all of us see Jesus as he truly is in order that we’d rejoice in the highest this Christmas. Let’s pray that it would be so.

CREATOR AND UPHOLDER OF THE WORLD

I’ve mentioned this before,

Hebrews 1:7-9 Of the angels he says,

“He makes his angels winds,

and his ministers a flame of fire.”

8 But of the Son he says,

“Your throne, O God, is forever and ever,

the scepter of uprightness is the scepter of your kingdom.

9 You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness;

therefore God, your God, has anointed you

with the oil of gladness beyond your companions.”

Good morning Grace church. I’m glad you’re here this morning. If you are a guest or visitor, welcome, we’re really glad you’ve joined us today.

Well, 8 more days until Christmas. How many of you just got a tightness in their stomach or your heart raced a little bit? Maybe you heard me say 8 more shopping days until Christmas. Maybe you are bracing for a dreaded event with your family. If that is the case, would you hit pause on your anxiety or stress and join me in prayer? Hebrews 1 has a word for us this morning to help stem the tide of Christmas rush. Jesus Christ is our glorious king and he is worthy of our attention and worship. Hebrews 1 shows Jesus as superior to angels and the hope is that we would take this season to meditate on the glory of Christ.

This morning as we continue in Hebrews 1, we are looking at the glory of Christ. It feels like a daunting task: To articulate something so transcendent as God’s glory feels like trying to describe a sunset over the Grand Canyon. I can’t come close to capturing it on my own. You almost have to see it. And the temptation for us is thinking that we have to see God’s glory in order to truly believe or understand. But God does not require us to see a visible shining cloud in order to experience and appreciate his glory. In these last days God has given us his Son, who is the Word. And we have been given the word and the Holy Spirit to show God’s glory through preaching. As Jesus told Thomas after the resurrection, “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

As Pastor Dave mentioned in previous sermons, verses 1-4 serve as the head for the rest of chapter 1. 1-4 gives the 9 reasons why Jesus is superior to everything else in the galaxy, and the rest of the chapter unpacks these ideas. This morning we will look at what is summarized in verse 3: he is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature. Let’s look at these two ideas before we get to our text in verses 7-9.

The unchanging, eternal reign of Christ is superior to angels

We talk about glory quite a bit at Grace Church, but what does it actually mean? One theologian (Frame, Systematic Theology p. 400) puts it this way: God’s glory is an outshining from him, not only of literal light, but also creative and ethical qualities.

We see many times in scripture God’s glory manifested in a visible brightness. The glory cloud that hovered above the tabernacle and the temple. Many times when people see God, it is accompanied by this visible brightness. Other places speak of his creation testifying to his glory. Psalm 19 says the heavens declare his glory. And it’s also his ethical qualities or in other words, his holiness. God is perfectly righteous all of the time

Verse 3 tells us that Jesus is the Radiance of the glory of God. Radiance is different than reflected. If you’ve ever gone for a walk at night, you know that you can still see in the moonlight. But the moon doesn’t produce any light of its own, it is the light reflected from the source: the sun. The S-U-N is the source of both light and heat. It radiates from the sun. The moon simply reflects the light and bounces it towards earth.

Moses reflected God’s glory. Angels, as we’ll see, reflect God’s glory. The Son is different. He radiates God’s glory. Glory flows out of Jesus.

The second part of this idea is that Jesus is the exact imprint of the nature of God. When someone sent a letter in the ancient world,

Hebrews 1:7-9 Of the angels he says,

“He makes his angels winds,

and his ministers a flame of fire.”

8 But of the Son he says,

“Your throne, O God, is forever and ever,

the scepter of uprightness is the scepter of your kingdom.

9 You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness;

therefore God, your God, has anointed you

with the oil of gladness beyond your companions.”

Good morning Grace church. I’m glad you’re here this morning. If you are a guest or visitor, welcome, we’re really glad you’ve joined us today.

Well, 8 more days until Christmas. How many of you just got a tightness in their stomach or your heart raced a little bit? Maybe you heard me say 8 more shopping days until Christmas. Maybe you are bracing for a dreaded event with your family. If that is the case, would you hit pause on your anxiety or stress and join me in prayer? Hebrews 1 has a word for us this morning to help stem the tide of Christmas rush. Jesus Christ is our glorious king and he is worthy of our attention and worship. Hebrews 1 shows Jesus as superior to angels and the hope is that we would take this season to meditate on the glory of Christ.

This morning as we continue in Hebrews 1, we are looking at the glory of Christ. It feels like a daunting task: To articulate something so transcendent as God’s glory feels like trying to describe a sunset over the Grand Canyon. I can’t come close to capturing it on my own. You almost have to see it. And the temptation for us is thinking that we have to see God’s glory in order to truly believe or understand. But God does not require us to see a visible shining cloud in order to experience and appreciate his glory. In these last days God has given us his Son, who is the Word. And we have been given the word and the Holy Spirit to show God’s glory through preaching. As Jesus told Thomas after the resurrection, “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

As Pastor Dave mentioned in previous sermons, verses 1-4 serve as the head for the rest of chapter 1. 1-4 gives the 9 reasons why Jesus is superior to everything else in the galaxy, and the rest of the chapter unpacks these ideas. This morning we will look at what is summarized in verse 3: he is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature. Let’s look at these two ideas before we get to our text in verses 7-9.

The unchanging, eternal reign of Christ is superior to angels

We talk about glory quite a bit at Grace Church, but what does it actually mean? One theologian (Frame, Systematic Theology p. 400) puts it this way: God’s glory is an outshining from him, not only of literal light, but also creative and ethical qualities.

We see many times in scripture God’s glory manifested in a visible brightness. The glory cloud that hovered above the tabernacle and the temple. Many times when people see God, it is accompanied by this visible brightness. Other places speak of his creation testifying to his glory. Psalm 19 says the heavens declare his glory. And it’s also his ethical qualities or in other words, his holiness. God is perfectly righteous all of the time

Verse 3 tells us that Jesus is the Radiance of the glory of God. Radiance is different than reflected. If you’ve ever gone for a walk at night, you know that you can still see in the moonlight. But the moon doesn’t produce any light of its own, it is the light reflected from the source: the sun. The S-U-N is the source of both light and heat. It radiates from the sun. The moon simply reflects the light and bounces it towards earth.

Moses reflected God’s glory. Angels, as we’ll see, reflect God’s glory. The Son is different. He radiates God’s glory. Glory flows out of Jesus.

The second part of this idea is that Jesus is the exact imprint of the nature of God.

Hebrews 1:5-6 For to which of the angels did God ever say, “You are my Son, today I have begotten you”? Or again, “I will be to him a father, and he shall be to me a son”? 6 And again, when he brings the firstborn into the world, he says, “Let all God’s angels worship him.”

INTRODUCTION

Throughout Advent, as a means of expanding our appreciation and celebration of the Incarnation—that is, as a means of fighting to see and savor Christmas for all it is—we’re looking at Hebrews 1, its portrayal of the supremacy of Christ, and the implications of these things for us today.

Specifically, we’re looking at nine aspects of the supremacy of Jesus as they show up in Hebrews 1. We looked at three last Sunday in 1:1-4 (Jesus as the Word of God, the sin purifier, and superior to angels). We’ll look at one more this morning (with two remarkable implications) in 1:5-6. Next week Pastor Mike will help us see another one in 1:7-9 (Jesus as the radiance of the glory of God). And then I’ll address the final three on the 23rd in 1:10-14 (creator of the world, upholder of the universe, and seated at the right hand of God).

In this morning’s text the author of Hebrews cites three OT passages as a means of highlighting the supremacy of Jesus over all the angels of heaven and earth. In particular, he quotes Psalm 2:7, 2 Samuel 7:14, and Psalm 97:7 to demonstrate that in a way that is entirely unique, Jesus is the One True Son of God, and as such is uniquely worthy of worship and the heir of all things. Again, our aim in stepping away from Hosea and into Hebrews is to help all of us rejoice in the highest this Christmas. Let’s pray that it would be so.

JESUS IS THE SON OF GOD

So…how are you doing at keeping your mind and heart focused on Christ this Advent? If you’re like me, I imagine you’ve already had a few ups and downs and could use a bit more help. To that end, the author of Hebrews invites us to consider the absolute supremacy of Jesus, the subject, center, and heart of Advent.

This morning’s text (along with the rest of Hebrews 1) is meant to help God’s people rightly orient themselves to Jesus in light of who he is: infinitely superior to the angels. Verses 5-14 describe various ways in which that is true. As I mentioned earlier, we’ll look at one of them today (along with two significant implications). Let’s consider the author of Hebrews’ claim, then, that in a way that is entirely unique way, Jesus is the Son of God.

Hebrews 1:5 For to which of the angels did God ever say, “You are my Son, today I have begotten you”? Or again, “I will be to him a father, and he shall be to me a son”?

As I mentioned last week, the argument seems to be something like this: Following Jesus is difficult. It has already cost you a great deal. However, you’ll find great strength to persevere in the understanding that nothing you lose on account of your obedience to Jesus will come within a million miles of what you gain. This is true because Jesus is infinitely glorious. Would you be willing to lose 10 pennies to get 10 billion dollars? Of course! You wouldn’t even think twice about the loss of the ten pennies if you truly believed it’d gain you 10 billion dollars.

In the same way, all the suffering this world has to offer cannot compare to a moment in heaven with God. That is why the apostle Paul wrote, (Romans 8:18) “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.”

Therefore, look not to avoid or escape the suffering of obedience, but to the glory of Jesus. And one particular manifestation of the glory of Jesus is his superiority over all creation, including the glory of angels. You think angels are impressive (and they are)? Wait until you hear about Jesus.

Hebrews 1:5-6 For to which of the angels did God ever say, “You are my Son, today I have begotten you”? Or again, “I will be to him a father, and he shall be to me a son”? 6 And again, when he brings the firstborn into the world, he says, “Let all God’s angels worship him.”

INTRODUCTION

Throughout Advent, as a means of expanding our appreciation and celebration of the Incarnation—that is, as a means of fighting to see and savor Christmas for all it is—we’re looking at Hebrews 1, its portrayal of the supremacy of Christ, and the implications of these things for us today.

Specifically, we’re looking at nine aspects of the supremacy of Jesus as they show up in Hebrews 1. We looked at three last Sunday in 1:1-4 (Jesus as the Word of God, the sin purifier, and superior to angels). We’ll look at one more this morning (with two remarkable implications) in 1:5-6. Next week Pastor Mike will help us see another one in 1:7-9 (Jesus as the radiance of the glory of God). And then I’ll address the final three on the 23rd in 1:10-14 (creator of the world, upholder of the universe, and seated at the right hand of God).

In this morning’s text the author of Hebrews cites three OT passages as a means of highlighting the supremacy of Jesus over all the angels of heaven and earth. In particular, he quotes Psalm 2:7, 2 Samuel 7:14, and Psalm 97:7 to demonstrate that in a way that is entirely unique, Jesus is the One True Son of God, and as such is uniquely worthy of worship and the heir of all things. Again, our aim in stepping away from Hosea and into Hebrews is to help all of us rejoice in the highest this Christmas. Let’s pray that it would be so.

JESUS IS THE SON OF GOD

So…how are you doing at keeping your mind and heart focused on Christ this Advent? If you’re like me, I imagine you’ve already had a few ups and downs and could use a bit more help. To that end, the author of Hebrews invites us to consider the absolute supremacy of Jesus, the subject, center, and heart of Advent.

This morning’s text (along with the rest of Hebrews 1) is meant to help God’s people rightly orient themselves to Jesus in light of who he is: infinitely superior to the angels. Verses 5-14 describe various ways in which that is true. As I mentioned earlier, we’ll look at one of them today (along with two significant implications). Let’s consider the author of Hebrews’ claim, then, that in a way that is entirely unique way, Jesus is the Son of God.

Hebrews 1:5 For to which of the angels did God ever say, “You are my Son, today I have begotten you”? Or again, “I will be to him a father, and he shall be to me a son”?

As I mentioned last week, the argument seems to be something like this: Following Jesus is difficult. It has already cost you a great deal. However, you’ll find great strength to persevere in the understanding that nothing you lose on account of your obedience to Jesus will come within a million miles of what you gain. This is true because Jesus is infinitely glorious. Would you be willing to lose 10 pennies to get 10 billion dollars? Of course! You wouldn’t even think twice about the loss of the ten pennies if you truly believed it’d gain you 10 billion dollars.

In the same way, all the suffering this world has to offer cannot compare to a moment in heaven with God. That is why the apostle Paul wrote, (Romans 8:18) “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.”

Therefore, look not to avoid or escape the suffering of obedience, but to the glory of Jesus. And one particular manifestation of the glory of Jesus is his superiority over all creation, including the glory of angels. You think angels are impressive (and they are)? Wait until you hear about Jesus.

Hebrews 1:1-4 Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, 2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. 3 He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, 4 having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs.

INTRODUCTION

Every year Christmas comes and every year I long for God to help all of us see it and savor it for what it truly is. It seems far too easy to be content with a small understanding of Christmas, its meaning, its implications and, therefore, its celebration. Perhaps it’s easier for you, but I need to fight to think and feel and act appropriately with what I claim to believe about the birth of God and all that comes with it. What’s more, I often find that even when I remain conscious of and engaged in the fight, I cannot do it on my own. I need help.

I want to be—I need to be—a part of a church, therefore, that is filled with help. We hope to provide that for you in a number of ways, including an Advent sermon series. Throughout Advent, as a means of expanding our appreciation and celebration of the Incarnation, as a means of fighting to see and savor Christmas for all it is, we’re going to look at Hebrews 1, its portrayal of the supremacy of the Son of God, and its implications for us today.

I’d like to offer a few quick words of introduction before I pray. Concerning Hebrews itself, I love the way one commentator describes the letter, Jesus’ role in the letter, and its modern relevance:

“Hebrews is a magnificent New Testament document. It is carefully constructed and beautifully written, theologically profound and powerfully argued. It challenges our understanding of reality and makes us ponder a world in which the unseen is more real, more powerful, and more attractive than that which can be seen and touched and counted. The letter that wonderfully portrays Jesus as the Son of God and the great high priest, who is both human and divine, the crucified and exalted one, also makes stringent demands on its readers in relation to Christian discipleship” (O’Brien, 1).

Hebrews was an anonymous letter written to be read aloud to Christians, urging them to hold fast to their profession of faith. One of the first reasons given for doing so is the supremacy of Christ. Let me give an example of the power of the author’s argument.

Even when you are sick of it, keep practicing piano because those who can play it well are highly esteemed. Even when it makes you want to pull your hair out, keep working on math because the highest paying jobs involve it. Even when you’re bone tired, keep getting up early to train because the only way we can afford college is through an athletic scholarship. In other words, the argument is this: In certain circumstances it is right to press on through adversity because on the other side is something greater than any discomfort you might experience along the way.

In the same way, in spite of the many trials and persecutions that the recipients of this letter were experiencing because of their faith in Jesus, its author urged them to hold fast to Jesus because he is greater than all their hardship; infinitely greater. Grace, the author of Hebrews wants his readers, including you and I, to know that if ever there were a reason to continue on in faith in Jesus, it is that Jesus is superior to everything in heaven and on earth. And this advent season we’d like to add: if ever there were a reason to celebrate Jesus’ birth, it’s the fact that he is superior to everything in heaven and on earth.

Hebrews 1:1-4 Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, 2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. 3 He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, 4 having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs.

INTRODUCTION

Every year Christmas comes and every year I long for God to help all of us see it and savor it for what it truly is. It seems far too easy to be content with a small understanding of Christmas, its meaning, its implications and, therefore, its celebration. Perhaps it’s easier for you, but I need to fight to think and feel and act appropriately with what I claim to believe about the birth of God and all that comes with it. What’s more, I often find that even when I remain conscious of and engaged in the fight, I cannot do it on my own. I need help.

I want to be—I need to be—a part of a church, therefore, that is filled with help. We hope to provide that for you in a number of ways, including an Advent sermon series. Throughout Advent, as a means of expanding our appreciation and celebration of the Incarnation, as a means of fighting to see and savor Christmas for all it is, we’re going to look at Hebrews 1, its portrayal of the supremacy of the Son of God, and its implications for us today.

I’d like to offer a few quick words of introduction before I pray. Concerning Hebrews itself, I love the way one commentator describes the letter, Jesus’ role in the letter, and its modern relevance:

“Hebrews is a magnificent New Testament document. It is carefully constructed and beautifully written, theologically profound and powerfully argued. It challenges our understanding of reality and makes us ponder a world in which the unseen is more real, more powerful, and more attractive than that which can be seen and touched and counted. The letter that wonderfully portrays Jesus as the Son of God and the great high priest, who is both human and divine, the crucified and exalted one, also makes stringent demands on its readers in relation to Christian discipleship” (O’Brien, 1).

Hebrews was an anonymous letter written to be read aloud to Christians, urging them to hold fast to their profession of faith. One of the first reasons given for doing so is the supremacy of Christ. Let me give an example of the power of the author’s argument.

Even when you are sick of it, keep practicing piano because those who can play it well are highly esteemed. Even when it makes you want to pull your hair out, keep working on math because the highest paying jobs involve it. Even when you’re bone tired, keep getting up early to train because the only way we can afford college is through an athletic scholarship. In other words, the argument is this: In certain circumstances it is right to press on through adversity because on the other side is something greater than any discomfort you might experience along the way.

In the same way, in spite of the many trials and persecutions that the recipients of this letter were experiencing because of their faith in Jesus, its author urged them to hold fast to Jesus because he is greater than all their hardship; infinitely greater. Grace, the author of Hebrews wants his readers, including you and I, to know that if ever there were a reason to continue on in faith in Jesus, it is that Jesus is superior to everything in heaven and on earth. And this advent season we’d like to add: if ever there were a reason to celebrate Jesus’ birth, it’s the fact that he is superior to everything in heaven and on earth.

It is good and right to ask what is it exactly that...

Hosea 11:12 – 12:6 Ephraim has surrounded me with lies, and the house of Israel with deceit, but Judah still walks with God and is faithful to the Holy One. 12:1 Ephraim feeds on the wind and pursues the east wind all day long; they multiply falsehood and violence; they make a covenant with Assyria, and oil is carried to Egypt.

2 The LORD has an indictment against Judah and will punish Jacob according to his ways; he will repay him according to his deeds. 3 In the womb he took his brother by the heel, and in his manhood he strove with God. 4 He strove with the angel and prevailed; he wept and sought his favor. He met God at Bethel, and there God spoke with us- 5 the LORD, the God of hosts, the LORD is his memorial name: 6 “So you, by the help of your God, return, hold fast to love and justice, and wait continually for your God.”

Introduction: A Transition

After a brief respite in chapter 11, in chapter 12 Hosea turned his attention back to naming Israel’s egregious sins—the source of God’s kindled jealousy and the cause of her imminent destruction.

Hosea 12:2 begins a new section in this book and 11:12-12:1 serve as a transition between the old and the new. One of the key differences between this new section and the previous one is Hosea’s shift from recounting places/events (Gibeeah, Peor, Gilgal, Bethel, etc.) in Israel to the people of Israel (Jacob, Moses, Saul, etc.). In both cases Hosea used Israel’s history to explain her present. And in both cases Hosea wanted the Israelites to see that they were bearing the fruit their fathers planted. In other words, by recounting the horrible events that took place at Gibeah, Peor, Gilgal, and Bethel (which we’ve seen), as well as the lives/sins of Jacob, Moses, and Saul (which we’re about to see), Hosea hoped to help the Israelites understand the seriousness of her sin and the justice of God’s coming wrath. Truly, the sins of her past (sins in specific places and of specific people), were coming to maturity in her present.

As we consider Israel’s sin and folly, personified in Jacob’s sin and folly, the main point is this: Our sin is great, but God’s grace is greater still. It’s great enough to rescue, reconcile, and sustain. Let’s pray, then, that God would cause us to look to Him, our only but certain source of salvation.

Foolish Lies and Wind Eating (11:12-21:1)

Think for a moment about the most foolish thing you could do. I’ve pulled off some doozies in my day (pressure tank). I’m sure you have too. But what’s the most foolish thing you could possibly do? I’m not sure it’s even possible to answer that question, but in Hosea 11:12-12:1, Hosea lists two things that would probably be near the top of any biblically informed list. Look with me again at the text.

11:12 Ephraim has surrounded me with lies, and the house of Israel with deceit, but Judah still walks with God and is faithful to the Holy One. 12:1 Ephraim feeds on the wind and pursues the east wind all day long; they multiply falsehood and violence; they make a covenant with Assyria, and oil is carried to Egypt.

Did you catch the foolishness of Israel? Do you see the two things I have in mind? Israel attempted to deceive the omniscient God and hunt wind for dinner. Those must be two of the most ridiculous things anyone could attempt.

Filled with Lies

In the first half of 11:12 we cannot miss the divine accusation of a collective lifestyle of falsehood. “Ephraim has [not just lied, but] surrounded me with lies.” Indeed, the entire “house of Israel [implied: has surrounded me] with deceit.” Everywhere and always Israel was consumed with consciously manipulating facts to suit her own purposes. In this passage Hosea doesn’t mention what specific lies he had in mind,

Hosea 11:12 – 12:6 Ephraim has surrounded me with lies, and the house of Israel with deceit, but Judah still walks with God and is faithful to the Holy One. 12:1 Ephraim feeds on the wind and pursues the east wind all day long; they multiply falsehood and violence; they make a covenant with Assyria, and oil is carried to Egypt.

2 The LORD has an indictment against Judah and will punish Jacob according to his ways; he will repay him according to his deeds. 3 In the womb he took his brother by the heel, and in his manhood he strove with God. 4 He strove with the angel and prevailed; he wept and sought his favor. He met God at Bethel, and there God spoke with us- 5 the LORD, the God of hosts, the LORD is his memorial name: 6 “So you, by the help of your God, return, hold fast to love and justice, and wait continually for your God.”

Introduction: A Transition

After a brief respite in chapter 11, in chapter 12 Hosea turned his attention back to naming Israel’s egregious sins—the source of God’s kindled jealousy and the cause of her imminent destruction.

Hosea 12:2 begins a new section in this book and 11:12-12:1 serve as a transition between the old and the new. One of the key differences between this new section and the previous one is Hosea’s shift from recounting places/events (Gibeeah, Peor, Gilgal, Bethel, etc.) in Israel to the people of Israel (Jacob, Moses, Saul, etc.). In both cases Hosea used Israel’s history to explain her present. And in both cases Hosea wanted the Israelites to see that they were bearing the fruit their fathers planted. In other words, by recounting the horrible events that took place at Gibeah, Peor, Gilgal, and Bethel (which we’ve seen), as well as the lives/sins of Jacob, Moses, and Saul (which we’re about to see), Hosea hoped to help the Israelites understand the seriousness of her sin and the justice of God’s coming wrath. Truly, the sins of her past (sins in specific places and of specific people), were coming to maturity in her present.

As we consider Israel’s sin and folly, personified in Jacob’s sin and folly, the main point is this: Our sin is great, but God’s grace is greater still. It’s great enough to rescue, reconcile, and sustain. Let’s pray, then, that God would cause us to look to Him, our only but certain source of salvation.

Foolish Lies and Wind Eating (11:12-21:1)

Think for a moment about the most foolish thing you could do. I’ve pulled off some doozies in my day (pressure tank). I’m sure you have too. But what’s the most foolish thing you could possibly do? I’m not sure it’s even possible to answer that question, but in Hosea 11:12-12:1, Hosea lists two things that would probably be near the top of any biblically informed list. Look with me again at the text.

11:12 Ephraim has surrounded me with lies, and the house of Israel with deceit, but Judah still walks with God and is faithful to the Holy One. 12:1 Ephraim feeds on the wind and pursues the east wind all day long; they multiply falsehood and violence; they make a covenant with Assyria, and oil is carried to Egypt.

Did you catch the foolishness of Israel? Do you see the two things I have in mind? Israel attempted to deceive the omniscient God and hunt wind for dinner. Those must be two of the most ridiculous things anyone could attempt.

Filled with Lies

In the first half of 11:12 we cannot miss the divine accusation of a collective lifestyle of falsehood. “Ephraim has [not just lied, but] surrounded me with lies.” Indeed, the entire “house of Israel [implied: has surrounded me] with deceit.” Everywhere and always Israel was consumed with consciously manipulating facts to suit her own purposes. In this passage Hosea doesn’t mention what specific lies he had in mind, but the rest of the book clears that up.

Hosea 11:1-11 When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called my son. 2 The more they were called, the more they went away; they kept sacrificing to the Baals and burning offerings to idols. 3 Yet it was I who taught Ephraim to walk; I took them up by their arms, but they did not know that I healed them. 4 I led them with cords of kindness, with the bands of love, and I became to them as one who eases the yoke on their jaws, and I bent down to them and fed them.

5 They shall not return to the land of Egypt, but Assyria shall be their king, because they have refused to return to me. 6 The sword shall rage against their cities, consume the bars of their gates, and devour them because of their own counsels. 7 My people are bent on turning away from me, and though they call out to the Most High, he shall not raise them up at all.

8 How can I give you up, O Ephraim? How can I hand you over, O Israel? How can I make you like Admah? How can I treat you like Zeboiim? My heart recoils within me; my compassion grows warm and tender. 9 I will not execute my burning anger; I will not again destroy Ephraim; for I am God and not a man, the Holy One in your midst, and I will not come in wrath.

10 They shall go after the LORD; he will roar like a lion; when he roars, his children shall come trembling from the west; 11 they shall come trembling like birds from Egypt, and like doves from the land of Assyria, and I will return them to their homes, declares the LORD.

INTRODUCTION

Can you think of a time when two good convictions did battle in your mind? For instance, as a parent I never want my children to suffer. That’s a strong conviction of mine. I’d take their every pain, sickness, and heartache if I could. That means that I often take things upon myself to shield them from difficulty. At the same time, I want my children to honor God and walk in holiness. And that means that I need to discipline them when their hearts go astray. Discipline, of course, is always (temporarily at least) unpleasant. As you can imagine, then, as a parent of five kids, I regularly find these two good convictions competing with one another.

Similarly, perhaps you are convinced, like me, that it is often good to overlook the offense of a friend (Proverbs 19:11); that it is often wise to let something hurtful go. At the same time, you may also be convinced of the fact that helping a friend to see their sin is an act of love (Proverbs 27:6). If you share these biblical convictions, you have likely felt the kind of tension I’m talking about.

Our passage for this morning is a remarkable expression of divine tension. God is perfectly holy and just, and resolute and, therefore, will not tolerate Israel’s unrepentant sin and rebellion. At the same time, he is a God of love, compassion, and tenderness and, therefore, takes no pleasure in the death of his people—wicked as they may be (Ezekiel 33:11). Throughout the bible we see these two aspects of God’s being pushing and pulling one another. Hosea presents one of the more remarkable pictures of this tension. And 11:1-11 is one the most remarkable passages where we see the tenderness of God win out. There is no other passage where the tenderness of God is so clearly seen in His lament over Israel’s unfaithfulness and His resolution to rescue her nonetheless. Let’s pray that we’d know the tenderness of God as we walk in faith, not (as was the case for Israel) as we await judgment.

GOD’S TENDER LOVE IN ISRAEL’S YOUTH

In a somewhat unusual way (for Hosea), this passage is more than likely one complete thought and the structure of the passage is fairly clear. In it we see (1) God’s tender love for Israel in her youth, (2) Israel’s rejection of God’s tender love, (3) God’s tender love in Israel’s rebellion, and (4) the promise of God’s future, eternal tenderness toward Israel. In vs.