Hosea 12:1-14

Heritage is an important part of our lives.  Some of us have the privilege of having a very godly heritage in our family.  Others have very poor examples in their heritage.  The children of Israel had a very rich heritage from which they should have learned and to which they should have tried to attain.  Hosea compares the faithlessness of Israel with the faithfulness of Jacob and calls the people to an account based on their lack of willingness to live up to their heritage.  All of us who are believes in Christ have been given a very rich heritage from God our Father who has forgiven our sins and sent the Holy Spirit to indwell us.  We truly do have a very rich heritage in Christ and would do well to live accordingly. 

ISRAEL FAILED TO VALUE GOD’S FAVOR: God had given the nation of Israel great favor but they had refused to be faithful to Him.  Judah has been more faithful but has still not lived up to the blessing it had received.  Israel has reached out to Egypt and Assyria instead of calling out to the Lord.  Jacob, the father of the nation, place a very high value on the favor of God.  From the womb he sought to have God’s blessing of the first born.  Esau placed no such value on God’s blessings.  Jacob was willing to struggle with an angel in order to gain God’s blessing but the children of Israel care nothing for God’s blessing.  God wants us to value His favor on our life as our most cherished blessing.  None of us deserve His favor but not of us should take it for granted either.  When we stop being amazed at God’s love for us and fail to be grateful to Him for all His many blessings; we are in a very dangerous place.


ISRAEL REFUSED TO VALUE GOD’S REWARDS: Israel lived in constant disobedience.  She used false scales for her business negotiations.  She has become arrogant in her wealth and believes that there is not sinfulness in her heart.  God warns her that she will be sent back to living as wanderers in the wilderness if she does not turn to Him in repentance.  God sent prophets to call the people to repent and to point to the awesome promises of God for the people, but they refused to value the rewards God had promised for those who obey Him in the face of hardship and temptation.  They will not serve the Lord in order to gain rewards from Him.  Jacob longed for the rewards of God and demonstrated His willingness to serve for multiple years because of the hope of His promise to be able to marry the woman he loved.  Israel had a heritage of sacrificial service in love but the people know of no such loyalty and love.  God stands ready to judge all who disobey Him because they value the passing pleasures of sin over the eternal promises of obedience.

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