This is an exposition of Hosea 11:1-12. This message by Pastor Rod Harris was delivered at Trinity Baptist Church on Sunday morning, August 19, 2012.
Intro:
It is the subject of sermon, song and ballad. It has captivated the greatest minds in the history of Christendom. It is one of the first lessons learned in Sunday School and yet its depths have not been plumbed in two thousand years of Christian thought. Theologians have sought to explain it while children have delighted in it – the love of God. Carl Barth the great Swiss theologian was asked, “What is the most profound thought that has ever passed through your mind?” After a moment of reflection Barth, with tears streaming down his face said, “Jesus loves me this I know, for the Bible tells me so.” After wrestling with the thoughts of redemption, the atonement, the incarnation, salvation, sanctification, the attributes of God, the glories of heaven, and no thought was more profound than that of the love of God. In the ancient world – the gods were powerful and vengeful. They must constantly be appeased – no thought was given to the love of the gods. How could a divine being “love” a frail child of dust? That is a valid question.
God spoke and the universe came into existence. Think of it – our galaxy, filled with billions of stars much larger than our sun, is just one of a billion galaxies. Consider the greatness, the grandeur of the created world. Consider the vastness and beauty of the earth. Consider the intricacies of the human body – God created all of it. No wonder the psalmist asked, “What is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you should care for him?” Yet God loves. The love of God is beyond our comprehension, it is more than our finite minds can grasp yet it seems everyone is an expert on the subject!
Much has been written concerning the love of God. The problem with modern works on the subject is that many are sloppy and sentimental in their reasoning. The love of God is presented in such a shallow, superficial manner it is hardly worthy of consideration. Contrast that with the biblical presentation. This morning I want us to consider a profound statement of the love of God found in the 11th chapter of Hosea.
Text: Hosea 11:1-11
Keep in mind Hosea’s marriage is a parable of the love of God.
- God, like Hosea, took a bride.
- Israel like Gomer went after other lovers.
- God, like Hosea, loved a wayward bride and paid an incredible price.
Israel is about to taste the judgment of God.
Her days are numbered – yet even in judgment, God loves.
Chapter 11 is a glorious statement of the love of God. As we walk through the chapter we are reminded of this simple truth:
Thesis: Salvation is the glorious work of our loving God.
Because God loves – we are saved.
It is wholly of him – we are rightfully objects of his wrath – but he has chosen to love.
As the drama of his love unfolds in this chapter I want us to note three movements.
- An Extraordinary Kindness (11:1-4)
- An Epic Struggle (11:5-9)
- An Enduring Result (11:10-11)
Conclusion:
The love of God is far beyond a sentimental, surface level warm regard. It is a profound emotion with far reaching consequences. It overcomes hardened, wayward hearts and secures an everlasting union.
This is the Gospel. This is the message we proclaim. God is no less a God of justice today. His wrath burns no less fiercely against our sin than it did against the sin of Israel. But God has shown us that his wrath is quenched in Christ. He drank the wrath of God for us. He drained it to the dregs and offers life and hope to all who will look to him in faith. He commands those who are yet in their sin – “look to Christ and live.” There is nothing in you that could possibly commend you to God – not your works, not your character – nothing. Your only hope is to trust in the work of Christ on your behalf.
Salvation is the work of our loving God – will you look to him today in faith? Will you acknowledge your sin – turn from your sin and flee to Christ? What will you do?