Your Sin will Find you Out
Hosea 1: 1-11
Today I want to begin a series of messages from the book of Hosea. Some present today may be unfamiliar with this book, written by the prophet Hosea. Unfortunately, it is a book that is often overlooked and largely ignored by many Bible teachers and preachers. Although many are unfamiliar with Hosea, there is a wealth of biblical truth and wisdom recorded by the prophet.
As our text reveals, Hosea ministered during the reign of many kings. His ministry spanned the reigns of four kings in Judah – Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, as well as the reign of Jeroboam, king of Israel. While most of Hosea’s writings addressed Israel, the Northern Kingdom, he also wrote to the nation of Judah. The writings to Judah were largely a warning of coming judgment if the people failed to repent. It is believed that Hosea’s ministry spanned a time of around fifty years, from approximately 760-710 BC.
While there is much within this book, a few of the major themes are God’s love and faithfulness to humanity, the sinfulness of men, and our obligation to respond obediently to the Lord. He also shares a message of salvation and grace. The name Hosea means “salvation.”
As we consider the opening chapter of Hosea, we discover he has addressed the sinfulness of the people, and God’s awareness of their sin. As I read these verses, I was reminded of a convicting statement in Numbers 32:23b – and be sure your sin will find you out. As we consider the declarations in the text, I want to preach on the thought: Your Sin will Find you Out.
I. The Proclamation of the LORD (1-3) – As Hosea opens, we discover an unusual proclamation from the LORD. First we must consider:
A. God’s Command (2a) – The beginning of the word of the LORD by Hosea. And the LORD said to Hosea, Go, take unto thee a wife of whoredoms and children of whoredoms. I am sure we would all agree that Hosea’s prophecy begins with a very unusual command. God commanded Hosea to take unto himself a wife of whoredoms that would produce children of the same ungodly acts. Hosea was instructed by the Lord to marry a woman who would engage in adultery and prostitution. Some contend that Gomer, the woman Hosea would marry, was not engaged in such sinful activity when they initially married, but would soon become unfaithful to Hosea and live a life of adultery and immorality. Others believe Gomer was already engaged in such activity when Hosea married her. Clearly, we will discover that Gomer lived a sinful lifestyle, engaging in adulterous acts that produced children born in immorality. Regardless of when Gomer began such a sinful path, such behavior was unpleasing to the Lord.
B. God’s Clarification (2b) – for the land hath committed great whoredom, departing from the LORD. God often asked His prophets to preform particular behaviors or deeds in order to provide a compelling illustration to the people. Ezekiel was asked on many occasions to obediently follow the Lord’s direction in order to provide an undeniable message of truth. Such is the case with Hosea and Gomer. In having Hosea take an unfaithful wife, God would clearly illustrate the unfaithfulness of the people in regard to His blessing. Just as an unfaithful wife, Israel had departed from the Lord, becoming adulterous in their relationship with Him. He had called them unto Himself, creating a nation that served the true and living God, while receiving His blessing. Rather than remaining faithful to God and serving Him alone, the people sought other gods and offered their worship and devotion to them.
While we must be careful in applying prophecy regarding Israel to the church, clearly this principle remains today. Our Lord and Savior provided the sole means of salvation, bearing our sin and judgment on the cross. However, the majority today deny the Lord and choose rather to serve the gods of pleasure and self-promotion. The Lord has been faithful in His dealings with humanity, and yet many have no desire for Him. The world has gone after strange gods.
C. Hosea’s Compliance (3) – So he went and took Gomer the daughter of Diblaim; which conceived, and bare him a son. Knowing ahead of time the struggles he would face, Hosea responded in obedience to God’s command. He took unto him a wife named Gomer. As you move through the coming chapters, you discover the unfaithfulness of Gomer in regard to her relationship with Hosea and the God of Israel. Hosea was willing to suffer hardship in order to remain obedient to God. He was willing to lay aside personal comfort to fulfill the sovereign plan of God.
While God does not advocate, nor condone immoral living, this presents a challenge to every believer. Are we willing to lay aside our desires and comfort in order to serve the Lord according to His divine will for our lives? Are we willing to surrender our entire being to Him?
II. The Prophecy in the Children (4-9) – As Hosea and Gomer welcomed children into the family, God chose their names to reveal His judgment on Israel for her sin and rebellion. Consider:
A. Jezreel (4-5) – And the LORD said unto him, Call his name Jezreel; for yet a little while, and I will avenge the blood of Jezreel upon the house of Jehu, and will cause to cease the kingdom of the house of Israel. [5] And it shall come to pass at that day, that I will break the bow of Israel in the valley of Jezreel. The first child born to Gomer of Hosea was a son. God commanded Hosea to name the firstborn son, Jezreel. Names were often significant in the Old Testament, and this one certainly had significance. The name means “God will scatter.” This was a warning that God would allow Israel to suffer defeat in the valley of Jezreel, and they would be scattered throughout the nations. The end of Jehu’s dynasty as king over Israel would come to an end in utter defeat.
This reveals God’s hatred toward sin and His commitment to deal with it according to His righteous nature. Those who intentionally pursue sin, while rejecting God’s grace are in danger of His ultimate and final judgment.
B. Lo-ru-ha-mah (6) – And she conceived again, and bare a daughter. And God said unto him, Call her name Lo-ru-ha-mah: for I will no more have mercy upon the house of Israel; but I will utterly take them away. The second child born of Gomer was a daughter whom God commanded was to be named, Lo-ru-ha-mah. It is interesting to note the Bible only says Gomer conceived again and bare a daughter; it does not say that she was born unto Hosea. Most agree Lo-ru-ha-mah was born of an adulterous relationship, fulfilling the words of the Lord. Her name means “no pity.” God revealed when judgment is poured out, it will be without mercy and pity. When grace is rejected, judgment is all that remains. Those who deny the grace of God in this life, refusing to embrace the sacrifice of Christ for salvation, will face His judgment for sin.
C. Lo-am-mi (8-9) – Now when she had weaned Lo-ru-ha-mah, she conceived, and bare a son. [9] Then said God, Call his name Lo-am-mi: for ye are not my people, and I will not be your God. Finally Gomer bore a son, named Lo-am-mi. Again there is no mention of Hosea being his father, but he was born into the family. His name means “not my child, or not my people.” Likely this was a literal indictment against the infidelity of Gomer toward Hosea, but it was also a humbling warning to the nation of Israel. God in essence proclaimed that He was divorcing the nation of Israel, severing the relationship He had with them. They were His covenant people, and they had broken their vow to keep the covenant. Again we see a stern reminder of God’s refusal to tolerate deliberate sin.
III. The Promise of the LORD (10-11) – If the verses we have considered were all we had, this would be a depressing passage in deed. However, even in His promise of divine judgment, God offered a ray of hope through a gracious promise to Israel. He revealed:
A. A Time of Growth (10a) – Yet the number of the children of Israel shall be as the sand of the sea, which cannot be measured nor numbered. While the Northern Kingdom would be conquered and scattered by the Assyrians, they would not be utterly consumed or wiped off the face of the earth. Even in His judgment, God would keep a remnant. Even though they were scattered, the people of Israel would remain, growing in number as the sand of the sea, which could not be counted. One day, when the Lord returns, He will gather His people to the Promised Land.
Through the lens of grace we too see a glorious promise. Although sin separates and scatters, there is hope in Christ. His grace is extended today. The body of Christ continues to grow, even in the midst of a sinful generation. One day the redeemed of Christ will be gathered around the throne in heaven, a multitude which no man can number!
B. A Time of Grace (10b) – and it shall come to pass, that in the place where it was said unto them, Ye are not my people, there it shall be said unto them, Ye are the sons of the living God. The Lord promised a time yet future when those who were once rejected and scattered will again be recognized as the sons of the living God. Their place of former rejection will become a place of grace, again accepted of God and known as His children.
While this act of grace is reserved for Israel, we can rejoice to live in the day of grace right now. The Lord provided the means of our salvation. There is hope, restoration, and life in Him. All who come to Christ by faith for salvation are placed within the family of God. It is possible to have a relationship with the Father through the Son today!
C. A Time of Gathering (11a) – Then shall the children of Judah and the children of Israel be gathered together, and appoint themselves one head, and they shall come up out of the land. While this warning was primarily given to Israel, Judah would also suffer captivity and bondage by the Babylonians. God promised a time when the nation would be united again, as it was under the reign of David and Solomon. They will unite under the leadership of Jesus Christ as He returns to rule and reign upon this earth. They will embrace Jesus as the Christ and serve Him in unity and peace.
While we have experienced this fulfilled in part, it will one day come to completion. I am thankful our Lord has promised to return for His church, to gather us unto Himself. He will come again, literally to this earth, establishing His kingdom, to rule and reign for a thousand years. Our Lord is alive and well, and He will keep His promise to come again!
D. A Time of Glory (11b) – for great shall be the day of Jezreel. While the immediate future looked difficult for Israel, God promised the glory would not be gone forever. What appeared to be their utter demise would eventually become a time of rejoicing and praise. The people would again recognize the Lord as their God. Jesus will be embraced as the Messiah, and the blessing of God will be poured out on His people again!
The saved by grace have reason to rejoice and anticipate this future glory as well. Like Israel of old, we too were separated in sin, choosing the lust of the flesh instead of a relationship with the Lord. Through His grace, salvation was provided, and all the saved are accepted by the Father. We will one day be gathered into His glorious presence, never to depart. We will spend the endless age praising our Savior for the provision He has given. We will finally be removed from the presence and power of sin. We will rejoice and worship our Lord for eternity!
Conclusion: Israel faced certain judgment, and Hosea’s prophecy was fulfilled. God judged Israel for their sin. They were scattered by the Assyrians and suffered under the yoke of bondage. The regathering has begun, as Israel has become a nation again. The Lord has a day marked on His calendar when He will return in power and great glory. His grace is extended today for all who come to Him by faith. Like Israel, if grace is rejected, judgment awaits.
How do you stand before God today? Are you accepted in the beloved through Christ the Lord or do you remain accountable for sin? Have you received salvation by grace through faith or are you yet separated from God? Grace will not endure forever. One day it will be too late to respond to this offer of grace. If you are yet unsaved, I urge you to come to Christ for salvation!
