Hosea - Redemption

Hosea – Redemption

Redemption - (W)the act of procuring the deliverance of persons or things from the possession and power of captors by the payment of an equivalent; ransom; release

His personal experience – designed by God, to be an example of the Lord's love for His “bride.” Remember the church is the bride, the Lord Jesus is the bridegroom.

Eph 5:25-27 - Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; Rev 19:7-9 - Rev 21:2 - Isa 54:5 - Eph 5:25 - Rev 21:9 - 2 Cor11:2 - John 3:29 - Rev 21:9-11 -

C1 The marriage of Hosea and Gomer, the harlot (1.2)

• she was an unclean, worldly woman – nothing pure and sweet about her but God directed Hosea to marry her – this was an illustration of how unclean and worldly Israel had become in captivity – it is also a picture of how we are in God's sight without the Lord Jesus (our bridegroom)
• they had three kids – two boys and one girl. The names of the boys meant “God will scatter and not my people.” The name of the girl meant “no more mercy.” (1.4-11)

C2 The unfaithfulness of Gomer

• (2.2, 3)

• but because so much of the world was in her heart – she did not stay with Hosea – she left
• the greatest sin against a loved one is unfaithfulness – Gomer betrayed her husband and went to be with other men – so it is with one who is saved when they worship after anything other than the Lord Jesus.
• [ex – it is a fact that you love your mom – you would do anything to keep that love. Yet when you disobey her you are rejecting that love and saying you don't love her. Do you believe she still loves you even when you disobey? Of course. So it is with the Lord Jesus. He still loves us as His children and in order to restore fellowship, we must repent and ask His forgiveness. Why do we even love Him? I Jn 4.19 b/c “He first loved us.”

1. Would you say Hosea's wife, Gomer, was grateful or ungrateful?
2. Are you grateful or ungrateful for all that has been provided for you in your home?
3. Would you say your mom's heart is happy or sad when you disobey?
4. Would you say the Lord Jesus is happy or sad when you disobey? Remember, “to obey is better than sacrifice” (I Sam 15.22)
5. Are you grateful or ungrateful for the sacrifice the Lord Jesus made for you at Calvary?

C3 The faithfulness of Hosea – the faithfulness of the Lord Jesus

• (3.1) “Go get her” - This is what the Lord told Hosea – in spite of Gomer's rejection of Hosea's love – he did as the Lord commanded. He had to pay a price for her though (3.2) because she was selling her body to have money to live - she yielded her body to sin for money to eat – but her husband loved her still. He faithfully gave all that he had to “redeem” her from sin and self.
• So it is with a child of God, we are “bought with a price” (I Cor 6.20). The Lord Jesus (our bridegroom) loved us so much, He gave His life (all of it) to redeem us back to God, our Heavenly Father. He held back nothing, just like Hosea. No price was too much to redeem His bride to the Father.

1. Do you love the Lord Jesus with all your heart like Hosea loved Gomer?
2. Have you been unfaithful to the Lord Jesus like Gomer was to Hosea?
3. If you have been unfaithful to Him have you asked His forgiveness?
4. What does faithful mean to you? (write student answers on board)
5. What does unfaithful mean to you? (write student answers on board)
6. Have you repented of your sins and trusted in Him and His blood shed at Calvary to redeem you back to God?
7. Who came after Gomer? Hosea/her husband
8. Who came after His people? Jesus/the bridegroom
9. Do you think Gomer would've come home had her husband not come after her?
10. Do you think you will go to heaven without trusting the Lord Jesus to “redeem” you?

Daniel Faithful

Kings in Daniels lifetime

NEBUCHADNEZZAR (1.2)

(1.4) What did he want from Judah? perfect kids, smart kids, no blemish, well-favored, skillful in wisdom, cunning in knowledge, understanding in science, to teach/learn Chaldean language.

(1.6)The names of best kids? (Daniel/Belteshazzar,

Hananiah/Shadrach, Mishael/Meshach, Azariah/Abednego –

Because of the captivity, each boy had to take a Babylonian name)

• However, in all their captivity, however, they stayed faithful to their Hebrew/goodly heritage.
• Are you true and faithful to your name and “goodly heritage?”
• (1.8) Daniel PURPOSED to be true to his raising, do you?
• (1.12-15) God honored him for it
• King #1 – dream

(2.19) revealed (2.31-45) to Daniel who gives glory to God for this gift (2.20, 23, 28) – in turn t he King honored Daniel's God & Daniel (2.47, 48)

Three Hebrew boys and 4^th Man in the fiery furnace story

pride causes him to make an image of himself and put fire in it's belly – DELIVERED

*because of Daniels gift to interpret dreams (4.37) King #1 praised Daniel's God and allowed him to worship in peace – still, though, curious as to why Daniel wasn't put in the fiery furnace also, it certain he didn't bow either.

BELSHAZZAR (5.1-4) the “partying King”

God revealed His displeasure at this partying king by “the hand writing on the wall” (5.5, 6

• again, Daniel was called on to interpret (5.11,12)
• Another warning to a King (5.22, 23, 25-28)
• Jealousy at Daniels gift (6.4) – REVENGE – the decree “those who w/n bow will be throne into the den of lions (6.6, 7) DELIVERED (6.22)

DARIUS

• Daniel is older now but prays b/c of the sins of the people (9.5-9)

“We have sinned and not listened to the prophets” - visions of a future time – saw the angel Gabriel (9.21, 24-27)

CYRUS

• Again, this appears to be in the “winter” of Daniel's life. He is closer to heaven than before. The Lord let's appears to him (10.5, 6)
• he is encouraged and acknowledged (10.11, 12, 19) “greatly beloved/I am come for they words”
• more visions of things to come (C11 and 12)
• C11 tells of things that will happen in the time Daniel lives
• C12 tells of the end time – DELIVERANCE!
• (12.2) rapture – those that sleep, awake!
• (12.7) saw the Lord again – A blessing on “he that waiteth” - JESUS IS COMING SOON

Ezekiel - Hope of Israel

37.1-14

Again, the people have sinned by worshipping other gods. Again, they are taken captive by the Babylonians. This time, there is a prophet among them – Ezekiel.
Ezekiel saw many strange things. However, the Lord used these strange visions like 4 faced creatures, bright light, rainbow, wheels below such unusual looking images (1.1-28) and then in C37, a “valley of dry bones.....”
When studying such strange sights, one must understand that these visions are symbolic of other meanings. In today's study we will examine the valley of “dry bones,” and in part, what the Lord wanted Israel to know about this vision the prophet spoke of.
Let's read:
The hand of the Lord was upon me, and carried me out in the spirit of the Lord, and set me down in the midst of the valley which was full of bones,
2 And caused me to pass by them round about: and, behold, there were very many in the open valley; and, lo, they were very dry. (this seems to indicate they had been there a long time, just like Israel had been in captivity a long time.)
3 And he said unto me, Son of man, can these bones live? And I answered, O Lord God, thou knowest. (truly, only God knows if a dead sinner will every be “awakened” to the knowledge of the Lord Jesus)
4 Again he said unto me, Prophesy upon these bones, and say unto them, O ye dry bones, hear the word of the Lord. (Remember, the miracle is ALWAYS in the hearing – can a dead man hear? Only if the Lord wills it.)
5 Thus saith the Lord God unto these bones; Behold, I will cause breath to enter into you, and ye shall live:
6 And I will lay sinews upon you, and will bring up flesh upon you, and cover you with skin, and put breath in you, and ye shall live; and ye shall know that I am the Lord.
7 So I prophesied as I was commanded: and as I prophesied, there was a noise, and behold a shaking, and the bones came together, bone to his bone. (what a frightful sound and sight, to be sure...)
8 And when I beheld, lo, the sinews and the flesh came up upon them, and the skin covered them above: but there was no breath in them. (Only God gives the breath of life – religion may quote from the same bible you do but unless their darkened heart has trusted in the Lord Jesus – there will be no power/life to move according to the Lord's will)
9 Then said he unto me, Prophesy unto the wind, prophesy, son of man, and say to the wind, Thus saith the Lord God; Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe upon these slain, that they may live.
10 So I prophesied as he commanded me, and the breath came into them, and they lived, and stood up upon their feet, an exceeding great army. (Again, what an awesome sight to see life come into one's eyes that was dead before – so it is, with spiritual life – there's just “something different” about a real believer)
11 Then he said unto me, Son of man, these bones are the whole house of Israel: behold, they say, Our bones are dried, and our hope is lost: we are cut off for our parts. (Here the Lord explains the vision – our only hope is in Him – you see, even in their captivity, He had not forgotten them – hope for all who believe)
12 Therefore prophesy and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord God; Behold, O my people, I will open your graves, and cause you to come up out of your graves, and bring you into the land of Israel. (Again, without the Lord one is dead – only God through the Lord Jesus by way of the Holy Ghost imparts spiritual life to a cold/dark heart)
13 And ye shall know that I am the Lord, when I have opened your graves, O my people, and brought you up out of your graves,
14 And shall put my spirit in you, and ye shall live, and I shall place you in your own land: then shall ye know that I the Lord have spoken it, and performed it, saith the Lord. (Thus, the promise to bring them back to “their own land” for HIS glory! So, one day He will bring every believer to live with Him eternally – no more death, sorrow, disease, hurt, disappointment or crying...)

While students assemble skeleton – sing “Dry bones”

Dry Bones

Ezekiel cried, "Dem dry bones!"
Ezekiel cried, "Dem dry bones!"
Ezekiel cried, "Dem dry bones!"
"Oh, hear the word of the Lord."

The foot bone connected to the leg bone,
The leg bone connected to the knee bone,
The knee bone connected to the thigh bone,
The thigh bone connected to the back bone,
The back bone connected to the neck bone,
The neck bone connected to the head bone,
Oh, hear the word of the Lord!

Dem bones, dem bones gonna walk aroun',
Dem bones, dem bones, gonna walk aroun'
Dem bones, dem bones, gonna walk aroun'
Oh, hear the word of the Lord.

The head bone connected to the neck bone,
The neck bone connected to the back bone,
The back bone connected to the thigh bone,
The thigh bone connected to the knee bone,
The knee bone connected to the leg bone,
The leg bone connected to the foot bone,
Oh, hear the word of the Lord!

Lamentations - Man of Sorrows

In the book of Lamentations Jeremiah is still weeping. Only now, he's weeping HARDER! You see Jerusalem has been completely destroyed. Listen to the first few verses in the book of Lamentations:

DESTRUCTION/WRATH b/c of sin

1. “How doth the city sit solitary (alone) that was full of people...”
2. “...none to comfort”

5. Why is she (Jerusalem) in affliction? Because of the “multitude of her transgressions.”

8. Not just a few sins and repentance but “Jerusalem hath grievously sinned”
9. Not only that but her sins are called “filthy...” so much so that there is “no comforter...”

16. Why does Jeremiah continue to weep? All of the above

If you saw your house, your things, pictures, special letters/writings like in a journal – EVERYTHING gone but the clothes on your back – literally your entire life go up in flames, how would you feel?

19. Further, as previously noted, there is NO one to comfort you – no momma, no preacher, no favorite aunt, uncle, grandparent, sister, brother... NO ONE

2.1-3 The Lord's wrath is certain when one sins w/o repentance and (v9) there is no law or vision to guide a people.

Remember, tears are a gift of God and a source of healing.

But to “lament” as noted in this book is a deeper grief – it means “expression of sorrow; cries of grief; the act of bewailing.”

In other words, one is so upset with grief over an event, whether the death of a dear loved one or wrong doing of oneself or another, that the emotion comes out in a groan, usually loud wailing.

Grief that “restores a sacred dignity to human suffering.”

Grief that gives expression to such deep sorrow and suffering.

But there is MERCY: Read on

3.1 “He hath hedged me about that I cannot get out...” Being hedged “in” is a good thing – not confining because it also means that the enemy can't see you or get to you.

Jeremiah was spared because he was faithful and true to the Lord

Then there are these blessed words:

3.21-23 “This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope.

It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.”

It is understood tears, weeping and sorrow are not a “happy” subject. But the Lord, by way of this book, wants us to understand the deepest pain and grief are sometimes necessary, even helpful when it is done. As I slowly read the poem in front of you – take a ribbon and weave it around the edges finishing with the end underneath the picture. You may also color around it if you like.

The Master Weaver

My life is but a weaving between my Lord and me. I cannot choose the colors He worketh steadily.
Oft times he weaveth sorrow and I in foolish pride forget He sees the upper and I the underside.
Not till the loom is silent and the shuttle ceases to fly shall God unroll the canvas and explain the reason why. The dark threads are as needful In the Weaver's skillful hand As the threads of gold and silver in the pattern He has planned.

Illustrative story for Lamentations:

James loves to play football. Most days he is able to toss the ball around with his buddy, Michael. But one day Michael is not at the ball field at the appointed time. James waits an hour or so past the time they are to meet then goes home. When he arrives home, his mom tells him Michael's dad called to say that Michael had taken ill and was rushed to the hospital. Of course, James is upset and concerned but is sure Michael will be alright. Michael is always ready to toss the ball, run laps around the ball field or climb to James' tree house and talk about their day.

However, before James goes to bed, there is another call: Michael's aunt called to let James and his family know that Michael was gone. The illness that came on him so suddenly, also, took his life.

Gone! How can that be? They were running around and playing just yesterday. Michael was laughing and winning the race around the ball field. How can he be gone?

James climbs to his tree house and wants to cry. But is unable to because he would look like a sissy. James refuses to eat, can't sleep, his stomach hurts and he just wants to be left alone. One day, after a long while he begins to think about his friend. He remembers all the fun times they had. He climbs back to his tree house and he begins to sob with deep, mournful, moaning sounds that he feels no one could ever understand.

When there are no more tears, James looks up to notice the evening sun peeping through the trees. It had rained earlier in the day and there were still water drops on the leaves. James notices how fresh and clean everything looks. He notices the cool breeze. Even the sun, sinking toward night time is beautiful, for the first time in a long time, he feels at peace.

Then, he recalls the tears and realizes his stomach feels better. (remember tears are a gift of God for healing) He is hungry and is looking forward to supper and a good nights sleep. This time, when he thinks of his friend, it is with a calmness that the Heavenly Father knew what He was doing when he called Michael home. At least Michael didn't have to suffer long. At least Michael knew a healthy body while the two boys were playing. At least, James got to keep his friend for a little while.

Although we can't know all the whys of the sorrows in our lives – we can know that “the Master Weaver” has a plan to use these things to make something beautiful in each and every believer.

Your job is to submit to the bad stuff as well as the good and know “the Master Weaver”

3.21-23 (gives) hope. And to lay hold of this truth...

It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.”

Jeremiah – weeping Prophet

*Jesus wept – Jn 11.35, Lk 19.41/Mt 23.37

1. at the death of His friend – even though He would raise him from death
2. over the sins of His people

*Did you know the Lord keeps all your broken hearted tears? - Ps 57.8

Tears are caused by irritation in the eye but more to the point as noted in our study – strong emotion(s)

Our nature is to want to be happy & carefree but let's take a look at why people cry and consider that tears are a gift from God.

2 Ki 20.5/Isa 38.5

King Hezekiah was sick and going to die – he cried about it but God spared him 15 more years – the Lord said, “I have seen thy tears.”

• Even though you may feel alone in your tears, understand that God see's each and every one and He see's You!

Est 8.3

Esther was crushed because of the impending doom of her people – so she begged the king to spare them – her tears gave her boldness and courage!

• It is right to pour out your heart the King Jesus when you see others in trouble.

Job 16.29

“My friends scorn me; mine eye poureth out unto God.”

• Job cried because he was mocked of/in his troubles – it seemed no one understood – even accused him that the trouble was his fault

Ps 42.3

Tears will cause one to question God

• David was sad because his former friend, King Saul had turned against him – even wanted him dead!

Ps 80.5

One may have tears because of your own wrong doing

• Being sad because you have done wrong is a good thing – it means you have a conscience. The worst thing one can do is not cry and get hard and bitter in life. It causes you to in turn hurt others and sometimes yourself.

Ps 126.5

“They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.”

• When tears are for brokeness over someone or something done wrong, this Psalm give promise of a better day.

Isa 16.9

Another prophet weeping because of the ruin of a people.

Why did Jeremiah cry?

Jer 9.1, 13.17, 14.17 The disobedience of his people

• Are you sad when people you love and care about do wrong?

Lam 1.2

• One weeps because a friend is now and enemy

Mal 2.13

Malachi is begging God for mercy and that produces tears.

• Are you sorry for you sin(s) enough to cry? Someone paid the price that you could be forgiven. Do you weep because of His sacrifice?

NT

Mk 9.24

A daddy crying because his child has died

Lk 7.38, 44

A woman so broken hearted because of her sin, she washes His feet with her tears and the hairs of her head.

Have you ever felt this low and humble because you knew He was right and you were wrong?

Acts 20.19

Look how Paul served the Lord – tears/humility

Acts 20.31 Paul's tears were a warning -

• Have you begged someone in tears, not to do a thing because they would suffer for it?

2 Cor 2.4

Paul's tears were out of great love for the believers – are yours?

2 Tim 1.4

Happy tears to see a loved one

Heb 12.17

Esau's tears brought not repentance – sad but true – God forgives whom He will.

So, there are tears of:

sadness

boldness

courage

hurt

disappointment

disobedience

questions

for others

brokeness

humility

happiness

love

loss

THE GOOD NEWS IS “TEARS AREN'T FOREVER!!!”

1. We are promised in Ps 30.5, “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.”

• Tears come and go but are a necessary part of the believers life because they are a healing gift of God.

2. Rev 7.17, 21.4 promises that one day “God shall wipe away ALL tears...” He even promises that in that day there will be, “no more death, sorrow OR crying.”

• GONE!
• There will come a day, for the believer, that tears will END!