Hosea 14:5-8 I will be like the dew to Israel; he will blossom like a lily. Like a cedar of Lebanon he will send down his roots; 6 his young shoots will grow. His splendor will be like an olive tree, his fragrance like a cedar of Lebanon. 7 People will dwell again in his shade; they will flourish like the grain, they will blossom like the vine—Israel’s fame will be like the wine of Lebanon. 8 Ephraim, what more have I to do with idols? I will answer him and care for him. I am like a flourishing juniper; your fruitfulness comes from me.”
In its conclusion the book of Hosea, so full of torment, dissolves into a series of serene images of what Israel can become. God compares the nation to a lily (beauty), a cedar (strength), an olive tree (value), a fragrant tree (delight), grain (abundance) and a grapevine (fruitfulness). Thus a book dominated by unfaithfulness ends with the firm promise of restoration. These prophecies are fulfilled in the Lords church, the eternal unshakable kingdom.
This week’s sermon will focus on lessons we can learn from Hosea. The audio will be available on the website by noon on Sunday. Praying everyone is staying safe, sane, and healthy.
In Christ,
Gary T.