Articles
The Mercy and Wrath of God - Hosea 14:9
The Mercy and Wrath of God - Hosea 14:9
It is heartbreaking to read of the turmoil that Hosea faced in his marriage. Anyone that has ever been involved in the pain of unfaithful marriage, whether personally or in the family, knows only too well the pain it produces. God chose this avenue to help us understand His feelings concerning His people.
Now, as we come to the end of this book, we see a brief recap of God’s dealing with Israel. Israel was unfaithful to God. Not once or twice, but many times over a long history of their relationship. God felt both betrayal and anger. God, being a God of righteousness and truth as well as a God of love and mercy, did punish Israel for such unfaithfulness.
While His character demanded truthfulness and judgment for such sin, we also heard Him cry: “Oh Israel, how can I give you up”! While the current generation of Hosea would indeed feel the wrath of God and suffer the punishment due for its sin, yet God holds out such gracious promise to those that would later read this book and be moved by God’s love.
Return, O Israel! God WILL forgive those who with a true heart of repentance turn back to Him. Such is not only true for Israel, but for all men. The constant message to sinners is ‘repent’. This is the constant will of our God: “The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9). This was God’s message in the book of Revelation, occurring some 12 times.
With such turning back to God and turning AWAY FROM the sin and unfaithfulness that brings the wrath of God, God is faithful to forgive just as He has promised (cp. 1John 1:7-9). Through Jesus, we are reconciled, forgiven, adopted, made alive, sanctified! Through Jesus, we who are sinners can be restored to our creator.
The sad news is that many people simply refuse to turn and thus are destined not for mercy but for wrath. Thus, Hosea concludes his book: “Whoever is wise, let him understand these things; Whoever is discerning, let him know them. For the ways of the Lord are right, And the righteous will walk in them, But transgressors will stumble in them” (Hosea 14:9). Are you wise?
Hugh DeLong
