Hosea’s Gospel, Pt. 1
When Israel was a child, then I loved him, and called my son out of Egypt. The more the prophets called them, the more they went from them: they sacrificed unto the Baalim, and burned incense to graven images. Yet I taught Ephraim to walk; I took them on my arms; but they knew not that I healed them. I drew them with cords of a man, with bands of love; and I was to them as they that lift up the yoke on their jaws; and I laid food before them.... How shall I give thee up, Ephraim? How shall I cast thee off, Israel? … My heart is turned within me, my compassions are kindled together. I will not execute the fierceness of mine anger, I will not return to destroy Ephraim: for I am God, and not man; the Holy One in the midst of thee; and I will not come in wrath. (Hosea 11: 1-4; 8-9, ASV)
Much of Evangelicalism today is heavily influenced by Reformed theology, prioritizing the righteousness and holiness of God over his love so clearly and consistently proclaimed by the Scriptures and demonstrated by Jesus himself.
This often casts a pall over our relationship with God. Does God really love us, or does he just in mercy save us? Does he really first and foremost seek to satisfy his justice and righteousness and then, promise salvation if one repents and believes in Jesus?
Hosea tells a different story.
Listen to Pastor John share comments on how this picture of God’s love helps to address the question of why there is sin and suffering in the world and how a sin-bearing God responds.