Israel Roars Back (Like a Slightly Mangy Lion). Get ready for a comeback story of biblical proportions! Spoiler: There’s no singing warthog, but there is a lot of repentance.
Scripture Reading: Hosea 11:1-11
Introduction
Friends, today we’re going to dive into a passage from the Book of Hosea, chapter 11, verses 1 through 11. Now, Hosea might not be a book we turn to every day, but it’s packed with God’s incredible love for us, even when we mess up. It’s a story of a Father’s unwavering affection for His children, and I think you’ll find it speaks right to your heart.
The Events in Hosea 11
This passage is like a snapshot of a parent-child relationship – God as the loving Father, and Israel as His child. We see God’s deep love and care for Israel from their earliest days, how He brought them out of Egypt, and how He nurtured them. But we also see Israel turning away, chasing after other gods, and breaking God’s heart. Despite their rebellion, God’s love doesn’t fade. He wrestles with His anger and ultimately chooses compassion, promising to restore them. It’s a powerful picture of grace and redemption.
Hosea 11:1-11 (NIV) God’s Love for Israel
11 “When Israel was a child, I loved him,
and out of Egypt I called my son.
2 But the more they were called,
the more they went away from me.[a]
They sacrificed to the Baals
and they burned incense to images.
3 It was I who taught Ephraim to walk,
taking them by the arms;
but they did not realize
it was I who healed them.
4 I led them with cords of human kindness,
with ties of love.
To them I was like one who lifts
a little child to the cheek,
and I bent down to feed them.
5 “Will they not return to Egypt
and will not Assyria rule over them
because they refuse to repent?
6 A sword will flash in their cities;
it will devour their false prophets
and put an end to their plans.
7 My people are determined to turn from me.
Even though they call me God Most High,
I will by no means exalt them.
8 “How can I give you up, Ephraim?
How can I hand you over, Israel?
How can I treat you like Admah?
How can I make you like Zeboyim?
My heart is changed within me;
all my compassion is aroused.
9 I will not carry out my fierce anger,
nor will I devastate Ephraim again.
For I am God, and not a man—
the Holy One among you.
I will not come against their cities.
10 They will follow the Lord;
he will roar like a lion.
When he roars,
his children will come trembling from the west.
11 They will come from Egypt,
trembling like sparrows,
from Assyria, fluttering like doves.
I will settle them in their homes,”
declares the Lord.
Pastoral Prayer or Intercessory Prayer
Dear Lord,
We come before you today with hearts full of gratitude for your unwavering love and grace, just like we see in the story of Hosea and Israel. We thank you for never giving up on us, even when we stumble and stray from your path.
- Help us to recognize your hand in our lives, guiding us with cords of kindness and ties of love.
- Soften our hearts to your voice and help us turn away from the things that draw us away from you.
- Pour out your compassion on those who are hurting, lost, or struggling.
- Give them hope & remind them that you are always there for them, ready to welcome them back with open arms.
And now, we ask for your blessing on each and every person here today, that they may experience the fullness of your love and find true joy in following you.
In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Bible Study: The “Lost Puppy” Secret to Unleashing God’s Unconditional Love (Even When You Mess Up BIG Time!)
Let me tell you about a friend of mine, Sarah. Sarah grew up in the church, always trying to be “good.” But inside, she felt like a failure. Every mistake felt like a betrayal, and she started to believe God was constantly disappointed in her.
Then, one Sunday, she heard this message from Hosea. It was like a lightbulb went on. She realized God wasn’t keeping score. He wasn’t waiting for her to be perfect. He just loved her, unconditionally, like a parent loves a child who scrapes their knee. It changed everything. She stopped trying to earn God’s love and started living from it. And that, my friends, is where true joy begins.
So, here’s the deal: you can keep trying to figure out this “relationship with God” thing on your own, feeling guilty and confused. OR, you can grab this pre-written sermon and dive deeper into God’s amazing, unconditional love.
Look, I get it. Life is busy. But investing just a few minutes each day in understanding God’s grace can transform your entire life. And because I want you to experience that freedom, I’m practically giving this away. Our Hope is that you Support This Ministry with you gift of $4.99 or consider joining our Membership with a 7 Day Trial!
As you will see every word in our sermon was crafted with a heart full of love for God and a deep desire to inspire His people. You’ve already experienced my heartfelt welcome, reflecting the warmth and sincerity I bring to every message.
It starts with The Expository Outline that breaks down God’s Word with understanding, clarity, and purpose.
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