Israel's Rebellion

This morning we continue in our study through the book of Hosea as we consider Hosea 7:1-16. In the text we see how the people have rebelled against God. There are four similes that describe what the people of God are like. They are like an unchecked oven, a half-baked cake, a silly dove, and a crooked bow. They have been unfaithful, foolish, and rebellious. While they were to have hearts aflame for God, they were like an oven with a passion for evil that didn’t go out. They had hearts aflame for lust as they devoured others. While they were to be holy and a blessing to others, they are like an unturned cake. They are half-baked and not fit for eating. While they were to return to the Lord when they strayed, they are like a silly and senseless dove who has forgotten how to return home. They are fickle and not returning to God. While they were to be a faithful instrument in God’s hand, they are like a faulty bow. Instead of returning to God, they’ve turned on Him. 

The good news of God’s grace is not that finally the people did return to God, but that God came down to rescue people who would not return. The gospel is not see how you’re like an overheated oven, a half-baked cake, a silly dove, or a crooked bow and look within, dig deep, and change yourself. The gospel is the good news that God came to rescue you while you were still wandering. May God give us grace to cry to him from the heart, forsake pride, and ask God to stir in us a passion for His truth, goodness, and beauty for His glory and the joy of others.