 Ephraim feeds on the wind
and pursues the east wind all day long; they multiply falsehood and violence; they make a covenant with Assyria, and oil is carried to Egypt. The Lord's Indictment of Israel and Judah 2 The Lord has an indictment against Judah and will punish Jacob according to his ways; he will repay him according to his deeds. 3 In the womb he took his brother by the heel, and in his manhood he strove with God. 4 He strove with the angel and prevailed; he wept and sought his favor. He met God at Bethel, and there God spoke with us-- 5 the Lord, the God of hosts, the Lord is his memorial name: 6 “So you, by the help of your God, return, hold fast to love and justice, and wait continually for your God.” 7 A merchant, in whose hands are false balances, he loves to oppress. 8 Ephraim has said, “Ah, but I am rich; I have found wealth for myself; in all my labors they cannot find in me iniquity or sin.” 9 I am the Lord your God from the land of Egypt; I will again make you dwell in tents, as in the days of the appointed feast. 10 I spoke to the prophets; it was I who multiplied visions, and through the prophets gave parables. 11 If there is iniquity in Gilead, they shall surely come to nothing: in Gilgal they sacrifice bulls; their altars also are like stone heaps on the furrows of the field. 12 Jacob fled to the land of Aram; there Israel served for a wife, and for a wife he guarded sheep. 13 By a prophet the Lord brought Israel up from Egypt, and by a prophet he was guarded. 14 Ephraim has given bitter provocation; so his Lord will leave his bloodguilt on him and will repay him for his disgraceful deeds. Meditation One of the greatest hurdles to gospel growth is a lack of faith in the work of Christ. Rather than gospel freedom people are defined by toxic shame from past sins, poisonous people, and present sanctification. The gospel exclaims, “There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1). Paul continues, “Who can bring ANY charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Who is to condemn? Jesus Christ died… and was raised” (Romans 8:33-36). God brings charges against Israel throughout Hosea (2:1; 4:1, 4; 12:2). Today’s reading is an indictment (2) rooted in Israel’s history (3-9)- Their hearts have gone after other lovers. The more God pursued Israel with multiplied visions and revelations, the more Israel rebelled by multiplying altars (10-13). The charges leave them with condemnation, namely that the guilt requires a blood sacrifice (14). God’s story of redemptive revelation does not leave His people in a place of condemnation. God’s charge is levied and God’s justice must be executed. God Himself pays the price for the sin of His people- “It is God who justifies.” In Christ there is no condemnation because the penalty for our sin is satisfied through His death. The same God who charged Israel with sin in Hosea is the same God who asks, “Who can bring a charge against God’s elect?” No one- we are in Christ Jesus! Christians are set free from the penalty of sin to live freely over the power of sin and for the purpose of glorifying our gracious God. Yes- No condemnation in Christ! Richly Dwelling -Do you have toxic shame, defining yourself by past failures, people’s accusations, or present sin struggles? In Christ there is no condemnation. Do you believe this truth? -God satisfies the charge He brings against humanity so He can be glorified with our lives. How can you respond to God’s grace by living more faithfully for His glory? -It is finished. The penalty of sin is paid. The power of sin is lost. How can you live more freely from the finished work of Jesus? Be specific. Key Verse 2 The Lord has an indictment against Judah and will punish Jacob according to his ways; he will repay him according to his deeds. Comments are closed.
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