Getting to Know the ProphetsSample

Hosea

You probably know this, but Ephraim is another name for Northern Israel, just as Judah is often named in reference to Southern Israel. That will be helpful information as you read. Today we cover my favorite chapter in the otherwise difficult book of Hosea. Much of Hosea can be described as God taking Israel to court, one transgression at a time. The poetic text feels heavy and filled with doom but not Hosea11.

We learned yesterday that Hosea’s relationship with Gomer was fraught with infidelity on Gomer’s part – so, too, was Israel's relationship with God. But today, we see God's tenderness, affection, and steadfast love for His people. “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. 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” (Hosea11:3–4).

1. God’s character hasn’t changed. Can you think of times in your life when the Lord responded to your transgressions with healing and cords of kindness?

2. Looking back, are there times when you didn’t recognize – in the moment – that God was healing you? What are some things that cause us to miss God’s movement in our life?

Prayer: Lord, help me see the ways You work to heal me, lead me, and ease my burden.