Like the sand on the seashore

Like the sand on the seashore

Scripture: Yet I will show love to Judah; and I will save them—not by bow, sword or battle, or by horses and horsemen, but I, the LORD their God, will save them.” Hosea 1:7

“Yet the Israelites will be like the sand on the seashore, which cannot be measured or counted. In the place where it was said to them, ‘You are not my people,’ they will be called ‘children of the living God.’ The people of Judah and the people of Israel will come together; they will appoint one leader and will come up out of the land, for great will be the day of Jezreel. Hosea 1:10-11

Observation: The book of Hosea tells us of the curious story of Hosea being called by God to marry a prostitute to be a living example to Israel who had turned away from their God. In the first chapter, the name of Hosea’s three children are called Jezreel, Lo-Ruhamah and Lo-Ammi, meaning scattered, no mercy and not my people. Not many years later, this came true when the vicious Assyrian army came and defeated Israel, bringing the people into exile without mercy. In spite of this judgment that would take place, God nevertheless gives His children a picture of hope in latter times.

The first passage today looks at the Lord showing love to Judah and saving them. Indeed, Judah was saved from Assyria through a miraculous deliverance  when the Lord put to death 185,000 men in the Assyrian camp. The king of Judah at that time, King Hezekiah was a very godly king, and cried out to God for help at that time. Throughout her history, Judah was blessed with a few godly kings like King Asa, King Josiah, King Uzziah and King Jehoshaphat while Israel did not have any godly kings. The Psalmist says “But the Lord’s eyes are on those who fear Him, on those whose hope is in His unfailing love”. Psalm 33:18. Judah hoped in the Lord’s love and the Lord delivered them. Bow, sword, battle, horses and horsemen speak of men’s effort and physical might. Compared to the Lord’s great power, all these are nothing. He can flatten a mountain with an earthquake, or wipe out a whole army with a flood. Our job is to trust in God to save us. How he does it - let us leave to Him.

The second passage is a prophecy that the Israelites will be like the sand of the seashore. In Genesis 22:17, God had promised Abraham that his descendants would be like the sands of the seashore. God’s promises are irrevocable, and here, though Israel would suffer for a time in foreign lands, they would be exceedingly fruitful. Moreover, they would be called children of the living God again, and both Israel and Judah would be reunited under one leader, our Lord Jesus Christ. God’s in His faithfulness will fulfill every promise He has made. We also see here God’s mercy and redemption of His people, and His desire for unity among His people. Where His people were once scattered, shown no mercy and not called His, they would one day be reunited, enjoy God’s mercy and favor, and be called His own again!

Application: In all things, we are to hope in God’s unfailing love, like Judah did in a time of crisis. We do not know how God will work us, but we are to trust Him, and wait for His deliverance in due time. Praise God that His promises never fail, but He fulfills every one. Thank God for His great mercy and forgiveness for all who turn to Him. Pray for unity in Israel and in the church. How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity.

Prayer: Father God, I praise You that You are unchanging, unfailing, and Your love endures forever. I will ever hope in You O Lord. Deliver Me I pray, in the day of trouble. Your promises never fail, You fulfill every one. I thank You for Your great mercy, for Your loving forgiveness. Let unity prevail O Lord in Israel, even in Your church, Lord Jesus. May we live in unity, in love, in hope, as Your coming draws near. Praise Your Holy name. In Jesus name, Amen.