Journal Hosea 11-12 (all references are from the ESV; changes in punctuation are mine)
Scripture: “When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called my son.
The more they were called, the more they went away; they kept sacrificing to the Baals and burning offerings to idols. 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…
My people are bent on turning away from me…and though they call out to the Most High, he shall not raise them up at all.” Excerpts from Hosea 11:1-7
Observation: The Old Testament is the testimony of the Gospel as well but must be looked through the prism of the New Covenant. So many things to be learned.
Analysis: Hosea 11:1—the prophetic word that Jesus will come out of Egypt. See Matt 2:13and 2:15…Just in case someone might be wondering. I do from time to time. When the Bible says “…that the Word may be fulfilled…” or something to that effect, it is good to see where that affirmation comes from.
I have been studying the nature of Sin for some time. I am using the nouns “Traitor” and “Rebel” more and more to describe the offspring of Adam. I am convinced that the Scriptures depict Adam as a willing participant of the Serpent’s whispers. Perhaps these “whispers” weren’t a one-time thing, “Oh, hi there. Eve. Care to have a Fruit of the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil? It will increase your knowledge and clear your mind. It will make you and God on equal terms and you can serve better (more or less).” Maybe it was like a persistent, clever, and smooth salesman and just wore her down. And then Adam…
Sin has always started with this insight from James: “But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by HIS OWN DESIRE. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin (when it is fully grown) brings forth death.” (James 1:14-15) This is not just a New Covenant principle but is true from the very Beginning—that’s how it started.
So, what Hosea declared prophetically is true today: The more God calls, the more People not only resists but actively turns away. “My people are bent on turning away…” from His loving kindness and mercy. They “call on the Most High” but will continue to be religious in their own way and not in the Way Everlasting.
Therefore, the Hope of the Gospel is found in the principle (or doctrine) called Election. Man cannot “will” himself into the Kingdom, but he can respond to Grace with humility and surrender AS HE COMES TO GRIP with his indwelling Sin—all his days.
What?? Is there any thinking that rooting out (mortifying or putting to death) Sin is a one and done thing upon conversion?
Prayer: Oh, goodness, Lord. Is there something else to write about? I continue to keep pounding on the Nail of the Gospel—over and over. At least I have examples to follow…
AMEN
Rick Sutton