Hosea 1:6-7

God’s devotion and mercy win!

Through His covenant  comes Jesus…King of kings and Lord of lords. He conquers sin and death. It is nothing to do with our righteousness but everything to do with His. God will do whatever it takes to bring us back to Him.

Ephesians 2:8-10 By grace through faith we are saved, a gift of God, that no one can boast.

Our response to Christ's sacrifice and superiority is to live in Him and for Him.

Colossians 3:1 seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God." This one verse tells us Christ is seated, and He is at the right hand of God. For Jesus to be seated communicates His total victory over His enemies. First5

Bishop Desmond Tutu. “We were made to enjoy music, to enjoy beautiful sunsets, to enjoy looking at the billows of the sea and to be thrilled with a rose that is bedecked with dew… Human beings are actually created for the transcendent, for the sublime, for the beautiful, for the truthful... and all of us are given the task of trying to make this world a little more hospitable to these beautiful things”

When I see only the procedure and creed, over journey and faith—you know, the "right notes" or the "right answer" or the "right stuff" or “when real life begins”, I miss......having my world shaken, opportunity, learning, change, transformation and grace. And I miss wonder, every time. Terry Hershey “SabbathMoments “

Though the severity of God’s judgment might give the impression that Israel had been abandoned forever, God intended to restore His people. When they repented of their sins, He would return them to their land, reunite the north and south under an ideal Davidic king, and restore His rich blessings.

The Book of Hosea gives us a clear and balanced picture of God. He loves His people and desires an intimate and vibrant relationship with them. He is jealous of their affections and tolerates no rivals. When they sin, He will discipline them as severely as is necessary. While God’s jealousy may seem inappropriate and His discipline may seem harsh, this divine reaction to His people’s sin is actually evidence of His love and commitment. He will allow nothing to ruin the relationship He has established and will do everything to preserve it. In the end, His devotion and mercy will win out, and His people will come to their senses, giving Him the love He fervently desires. NKJ Bible.

Hosea 1:6-7

6 And she conceived again and bore a daughter. Then God said to him:

“Call her name Lo-Ruhamah,

For I will no longer have mercy on the house of Israel,

But I will utterly take them away.

7 Yet I will have mercy on the house of Judah,

Will save them by the Lord their God,

And will not save them by bow,

Nor by sword or battle,

By horses or horsemen.”

This prophecy looks ahead to the Lord’s deliverance of Jerusalem in 701 b.c., when He would miraculously destroy the Assyrian armies outside the city’s walls. NKJ Bible.

The prophet must show the ruin of the people, in the names given to his children. He foretells the fall of the royal family in the name of his first child: call his name Jezreel, which signifies “dispersion.” He foretells God’s abandoning the nation in the name of the second child; Lo-ruhamah, “not beloved,” or “not having obtained mercy.” God showed great mercy, but Israel abused his favours. Sin turns away the mercy of God, even from Israel, his own professing people. If pardoning mercy is denied, no other mercy can be expected. Though some, through unbelief, are broken off, yet God will have a church in this world till the end of time. Our salvation is owing to God’s mercy, not to any merit of our own. That salvation is sure, of which he is the Author; and if he will work, none shall hinder. Matthew Henry.

Psalm 44:3 For they did not gain possession of the land by their own sword, nor did their own arm save them; but it was Your right hand, Your arm, and the light of Your countenance, because You favored them.

Psalm 44:5 Through You we will push down our enemies; through Your name we will trample those who rise up against us.

Psalm 44:6 For I will not trust in my bow, nor shall my sword save me.

Psalm 44:7 But You have saved us from our enemies, and have put to shame those who hated us.