Hosea
There is something complicated about the relationship between a father and his child. A father deeply loves his child. He wants what is best for him and desires that he grow into a mature, godly, responsible man. But loving a child does not mean giving him everything he wants. In fact, sometimes a father's love puts him in conflict with his child.
It would be easier to give in to every whim—to let him eat whatever he wants, do whatever he wants, and follow every desire of his flesh. But that would not be loving. A faithful father disciplines and corrects because he loves his child.
This is the picture Hosea gives us in chapter 11. God speaks of Israel as his son: “When Israel was a child, I loved him.” He taught them to walk, held them in his arms, and cared for them. Yet Israel responded by running farther and farther away from him. So God disciplines his rebellious son. His judgment is real because his holiness is real. But then we hear something remarkable:
“How can I give you up, O Ephraim?
How can I hand you over, O Israel?
My heart recoils within me;
my compassion grows warm and tender.” (Hosea 11:8 ESV)
God's love does not ignore Israel's sin. Neither does his mercy pretend that rebellion does not matter. Instead, his fatherly love pursues his wayward children.
And what we will see this Sunday is that if we are going to turn from our sin and return to our heavenly Father, we must learn to trust His love, His mercy, and His mission for us as His children. To come prepared for the sermon, take time this week to read and to meditate upon Hosea 11:1-11, Luke 15:11-32, Romans 3:23-26; 8:14-17, 1 John 4:10 and this article on God’s Loving Discipline.
As we gather to worship our loving Father this Lord’s Day, we will join our hearts in song, singing the Hymn of Praise “Rejoice the Lord is King.” the Acclamation of Praise “He Will Hold Me Fast” and the Hymn of Response “How Deep the Father’s Love For Us.” Let us come to worship this Sunday prepared to hear God’s Word, to receive it in faith, to love and treasure it in our hearts, and to practice it in our lives that we may continue to glorify and enjoy Him!
Sermon Information
Text: Hosea 11:1-11
Title: A Change of Heart
Outline:
- You Must Trust the Father’s Love (vv.1-4)
- You Must Trust the Father’s Mercy (vv. 5-9)
- You Must Trust the Father’s Mission (vv. 10-11)