Hosea 12

[what is this, like try number 4 now?]

Summary: Through Hosea, God weaves the story of the current/impending Babylonian exile to that of both Jacob, father of Joseph, and of the nation of Israel's liberation from Egypt. Jacob wrestled with an angel, was struck down, and had to work to be put back where he belonged. Even after being rescued, Israel still would not completely turn to God.

Response: I think what God is frustrated about here is that Israel is more or less numb to its most destructive actions. And I know I get that way as well. Lord, help me to feel just how much I have wronged You so I can truly repent of it.

Hosea 11

Summary: Just as God is ready to drop the hammer on Israel, He has a change of heart. God doesn't promise a lack of suffering, but He does promise eventual mercy.

Response: I think a lot of people have trouble with this picture of God at His turning point and conclusion: He is ready to smite, as is His right, but then He relents. Humans that abuse sometimes follow the same pattern: "I'll forgive you this time, but watch out next time" or "I forgive you but you still need punished." And, again, I'm not saying we aren't guilty or that God can't rightfully punish.

But our consequences are usually our own doing. It breaks God's heart to watch us fail, but pushing us to do 'the right thing' against our will isn't how He operates. He gave us this free will with the chance that we'd run back, the way it says Judah has, but there's always the chance we'll just wander off like Israel.

Lord, keep calling me back. Help me to listen and turn back to You.

Hosea 10

Summary: Through Hosea, God gives His people warning after warning that their idolatry is taking them down the wrong path, and that such a path leads to destruction.

Response: In the midst of a lot of prophecy, there's a small bit of mercy; that if they'd start fresh with God, He would love and bless them. But God knows their hearts and, unfortunately, they are hardened. God, soften mine; turn me around, yoke me and point me to new fields to plow if it is Your will to do so.

Hosea 9

Summary: Through Hosea, God warns His people that their current actions (fertility cults at the top of the list) will get them infertile, defeated, enslaved, and killed.

Response: God, I'm sure you've shown similar signs to me that should be clear as day. Help me to hear and understand and change my direction.

Hosea 8

Summary: God, through Hosea, warns His people that they have gone too far. They give half measures to Him, and there will be retribution for it.

Response: The descriptions fly around wildly, and the metaphors seem to surround each other. It's hard to find what their disobedience looks like because there's so much of it. It's chaos in Israel, and it's chaos here on the page.

Hosea 7

Summary: Through Hosea, God expresses His frustration with Israel, His people. They sin and suffer, but they dig themselves deeper into both and never ask Him to help.

Response: Yeah, I know I'm guilty of that. Lord, help me to turn to You first.

Hosea 6

Summary: God straight up mocks Israel for wanting to be restored without due penance. He makes it clear that their sins are dire and it is past time for judgement.

Response: Help me, God, not to be so arrogant as not to ask continually for Your grace.