My God who keeps watch over me to the end
Hosea 1:1~11 “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 ‘sons of the living God.’” (10) Hymn for scheduled worship: Korean/English Hymnal #570 While the Lord is My Shepherd (#453 in previous version) The Israelites trusted only their superior knowledge of the world and did not depend on God. Especially, they regarded their shrewd business acumen, education and the laws as more important and gave priority to their own will rather than God’s will. The Israelites faced problems because they did not follow God’s Word. What must we know so that we don’t follow the footsteps of the Israelites who kept themselves away from God’s Word and went through sufferings as a consequence?
1. We must equip ourselves with the spiritual knowledge and enjoy the status as children of God
The Israelites lacked the knowledge of God and the heart of love and mercy, but instead enjoyed the life of depravity, hating and deceiving one another. They were met with failures repeatedly and yet still worshiped idols and did not feel the need for Jesus Christ in their lives. God, on the other hand, never lost hold of the Israelites who grew oblivious to the existence of God. Once you become a child of God, you will always remain a child of God in any circumstance.
2. We simply need to look to God when we face problems and incidents
Without praying but instead worshiping idols with cunning hearts and desolate minds, the Israelites began treading the path of destruction. Even after facing great downfall seven times and having to lose their nation and wander the whole world, they never listened to the Word of God. If we lose hold of the opportunities that God gives us, then we will only be aware of our problems at hand and sufferings will continue. Problems and incidents are a valuable time schedule in which children of God look to God.
3. We must entrust our lives to God
Prophet Hosea married an adulterous wife. Even his children were unfaithful. Knowing all this, God did not turn His face away from Hosea but bestowed great grace on him. At the moment of crisis, Hosea realized God’s message given to him. He saw that God was waiting to give greater grace to his family and future generations and desired to bless them. God does not make us fail but desires to give us grace and bless us.
- Do you feel helpless because your problems are not resolved? Do not be obsessed with problems and events but look to God so that you can gain strength from Him. Immanuel Church Sunday Worship 1st Service / 2012.05.13