WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:05.580 I led them with cords of human kindness, with ties of love. 00:00:05.900 --> 00:00:09.200 I lifted the yoke from their neck and bent down to feed them. 00:00:10.939 --> 00:00:12.339 Will they not return to Egypt? 00:00:12.880 --> 00:00:16.199 And will not Assyria rule over them because they refuse to repent? 00:00:17.219 --> 00:00:22.580 Swords will flash in their cities, will destroy the bars of their gates and put an end to their plans. 00:00:23.559 --> 00:00:25.679 My people are determined to turn from me. 00:00:25.679 --> 00:00:31.019 Even if they call to the Most High, He will by no means exalt them. 00:00:32.659 --> 00:00:34.659 How can I give you up, Ephraim? 00:00:35.140 --> 00:00:37.060 How can I hand you over, Israel? 00:00:37.600 --> 00:00:39.399 How can I treat you like Adma? 00:00:40.259 --> 00:00:42.120 How can I make you like Zebulun? 00:00:43.299 --> 00:00:45.079 My heart is changed within me. 00:00:45.179 --> 00:00:47.060 All my compassion is aroused. 00:00:48.519 --> 00:00:53.879 I will not carry out my fierce anger, nor will I turn and devastate Ephraim. 00:00:53.880 --> 00:00:58.219 For I am God and not man, the Holy One among you. 00:00:58.880 --> 00:01:00.200 I will not come in wrath. 00:01:01.840 --> 00:01:03.219 They will follow the Lord. 00:01:03.900 --> 00:01:05.299 He will roar like a lion. 00:01:06.320 --> 00:01:09.420 When he roars, his children will come trembling from the west. 00:01:10.920 --> 00:01:15.359 They will come trembling like birds from Egypt, like doves from Assyria. 00:01:16.140 --> 00:01:19.359 I will settle them and their homes, declares the Lord. 00:01:20.219 --> 00:01:20.560 Amen. 00:01:20.560 --> 00:01:20.640 Amen. 00:01:23.879 --> 00:01:27.239 Amen. 00:01:27.239 --> 00:01:33.299 Amen. 00:01:33.840 --> 00:01:34.039 Amen. 00:01:34.799 --> 00:01:35.859 Amen. 00:01:35.899 --> 00:01:36.799 Amen. 00:01:36.799 --> 00:01:37.140 Amen. 00:01:37.140 --> 00:01:37.579 Amen. 00:01:37.579 --> 00:01:42.840 Amen. 00:01:43.000 --> 00:01:43.060 Amen. 00:01:43.060 --> 00:01:45.859 Amen. 00:01:45.879 --> 00:01:46.899 Amen. 00:01:46.899 --> 00:01:47.000 Amen. 00:01:47.000 --> 00:01:47.640 Amen. 00:01:47.640 --> 00:01:47.739 Amen. 00:01:47.739 --> 00:01:47.879 Amen. 00:01:47.959 --> 00:01:48.219 ults. 00:01:48.219 --> 00:01:48.620 Amen. 00:01:49.939 --> 00:01:51.159 Amen. 00:01:51.179 --> 00:01:51.979 Amen. 00:01:52.000 --> 00:01:52.099 Yes. 00:01:52.099 --> 00:01:53.019 Amen. 00:01:53.159 --> 00:01:53.219 Amen. 00:01:53.219 --> 00:01:53.479 Amen. 00:01:53.479 --> 00:01:53.859 Amen. 00:01:53.859 --> 00:01:55.939 Thanks very much, Sam. 00:02:05.680 --> 00:02:13.079 Before we have a look at this passage, I want to draw your attention to something on the inside of your new sheet, 00:02:14.060 --> 00:02:21.439 which is under the title Reason for Hope in association with the Christian Union's Ireland. 00:02:21.439 --> 00:02:31.639 So a more fuller notice is the one that I'm holding up here and there on the table as you came in. 00:02:32.800 --> 00:02:43.979 If you wanted to have two of the world's best apologists, those who can help us understand big questions like, 00:02:43.979 --> 00:02:52.620 does God exist and what about God in science, then these are the two very best people you could possibly have. 00:02:52.979 --> 00:02:54.280 And they're coming to Cork. 00:02:55.339 --> 00:03:00.299 You'll see the details there, the 21st of March and the 28th of March. 00:03:00.300 --> 00:03:10.040 But I want to explain very carefully that it's not just for people who know God and love God to go. 00:03:10.740 --> 00:03:16.460 The idea or the purpose is that you would go by bringing a friend with you. 00:03:17.560 --> 00:03:24.500 So somebody who you might know, who maybe they claim, they say they're an atheist, they don't believe in God. 00:03:24.580 --> 00:03:25.780 How do we know God exists? 00:03:25.780 --> 00:03:30.039 So that's the kind of person you might like to bring along to this. 00:03:30.120 --> 00:03:35.379 There'll be no singing, there'll be no praying, just a straightforward talk and discussion. 00:03:36.699 --> 00:03:41.180 So I commend them both to you and to think about who you can invite. 00:03:41.300 --> 00:03:44.580 So don't just turn up, but turn up with someone. 00:03:45.420 --> 00:03:51.259 So those are two great events that are coming up I'd like to draw your attention to. 00:03:51.259 --> 00:04:01.780 Well let's turn to Hosea chapter 11 and we're going to pray and ask for God's help as we look at this together. 00:04:01.780 --> 00:04:22.500 Thank you God that we can come to you and speak to you as our Father. 00:04:22.500 --> 00:04:44.480 Father, and we come to you as children, asking that you would speak words of truth and comfort, challenge and reassurance into our lives. 00:04:44.480 --> 00:04:53.900 And we ask, Father, would you give to us hearts that are receptive to what you say to us? 00:04:54.900 --> 00:04:59.020 Hearts that accept your truth. 00:04:59.019 --> 00:05:15.159 And would you change us so that we may be people who love you more, delight in you, enjoy you, and walk with you faithfully. 00:05:17.159 --> 00:05:19.859 Father, please help us. 00:05:21.079 --> 00:05:24.000 And we ask this in Jesus' name. 00:05:25.000 --> 00:05:25.399 Amen. 00:05:29.019 --> 00:05:40.299 For the last time that he saw his son was ten years ago, the day of his 18th birthday. 00:05:41.339 --> 00:05:50.659 Despite numerous attempts to get in touch, writing letters, sending gifts, phoning friends, there was never any response. 00:05:52.159 --> 00:05:58.639 The father sat down on the couch and in the silence he lifted down a photo album from the shelf. 00:05:59.019 --> 00:06:04.439 Each page was a memory of his treasured son. 00:06:05.759 --> 00:06:07.219 The day he was born. 00:06:08.180 --> 00:06:10.199 His first wobbly steps. 00:06:11.139 --> 00:06:14.060 The plaster on his head after he fell off the swing. 00:06:15.019 --> 00:06:19.240 Every picture brought a smile to the father's face. 00:06:19.240 --> 00:06:25.540 The last of the pictures was his son's 18th birthday. 00:06:26.800 --> 00:06:33.120 Standing alongside his boy with pride, they posed with arms around each other. 00:06:35.199 --> 00:06:37.920 Tears filled the father's eyes. 00:06:39.079 --> 00:06:40.400 His heart ached. 00:06:40.399 --> 00:06:44.000 There were no more photos. 00:06:44.879 --> 00:06:47.620 Just memories of the past. 00:06:48.959 --> 00:06:55.560 He reached for the phone, dialed the number that was etched in his memory, waiting anxiously. 00:06:56.839 --> 00:06:58.279 But there was no answer. 00:06:58.279 --> 00:07:03.079 With his head in his hands, he cried out, 00:07:04.019 --> 00:07:08.159 Son, will you please come home? 00:07:09.939 --> 00:07:14.619 Well, that's the cry of Hosea chapter 11. 00:07:15.619 --> 00:07:20.259 Son, will you please come home? 00:07:20.259 --> 00:07:26.779 The metaphor may have changed from a marriage relationship to a father-son relationship, 00:07:26.779 --> 00:07:32.300 but it still reflects God's longing for his people to return to him. 00:07:33.319 --> 00:07:40.199 Chapters 5 to 10 have detailed graphically the persistent sin of God's people. 00:07:40.199 --> 00:07:50.500 But now in chapter 11, we see the persistent love of the father towards a rebellious, wayward child. 00:07:51.279 --> 00:07:55.680 This is God's cry to us and to the world. 00:07:56.620 --> 00:08:01.379 Son, will you please come home? 00:08:01.379 --> 00:08:10.680 We're going to see this cry of the father's heart, the longing, the aching for the child to come home. 00:08:11.100 --> 00:08:15.379 First, the father's gracious love. 00:08:16.040 --> 00:08:23.000 In three pictures, God reminds his people of his gracious love towards them. 00:08:23.060 --> 00:08:25.920 It's like pictures of a photo album. 00:08:26.680 --> 00:08:27.860 Look at the first picture. 00:08:28.620 --> 00:08:29.959 God rescued them. 00:08:29.959 --> 00:08:30.600 Verse 1. 00:08:30.600 --> 00:08:34.879 When Israel was a child, I loved him. 00:08:35.600 --> 00:08:38.139 And out of Egypt, I called my son. 00:08:38.779 --> 00:08:42.360 Remember what it was like for you as a child. 00:08:42.879 --> 00:08:43.920 You were in Egypt. 00:08:44.279 --> 00:08:48.220 You were slaves under the control of a cruel oppressor called Pharaoh. 00:08:48.580 --> 00:08:50.080 But I rescued you. 00:08:50.379 --> 00:08:52.240 I brought you into freedom. 00:08:52.519 --> 00:08:55.399 And I gave you a good and a beautiful land. 00:08:55.399 --> 00:08:58.200 I adopted you in as my son. 00:08:58.680 --> 00:08:59.980 I loved you. 00:09:00.600 --> 00:09:05.460 And then it's as if God shows them another picture. 00:09:05.460 --> 00:09:08.940 Remember how I healed you. 00:09:08.940 --> 00:09:09.900 Verse 3. 00:09:09.899 --> 00:09:16.360 It was I who taught Ephraim to walk, taking them by the arms. 00:09:16.360 --> 00:09:21.120 But they did not realize it was I who healed them. 00:09:21.120 --> 00:09:26.600 Just as a father helps the son. 00:09:26.600 --> 00:09:33.460 And just as a father picks up his child when he falls and puts a bandage on his cut knee. 00:09:33.460 --> 00:09:36.940 So God is saying, I was there for you. 00:09:36.940 --> 00:09:41.420 I held your hand as you took those first steps. 00:09:41.620 --> 00:09:43.780 When you failed, I picked you up. 00:09:44.000 --> 00:09:46.639 When you fell away, I came running after you. 00:09:46.840 --> 00:09:48.180 I restored you. 00:09:48.519 --> 00:09:50.100 I healed you. 00:09:50.100 --> 00:09:54.580 He shows them. 00:09:54.580 --> 00:09:56.399 He shows them something else. 00:09:56.399 --> 00:09:57.000 Verse 4. 00:09:57.000 --> 00:09:58.639 That he delighted in them. 00:09:59.639 --> 00:10:05.519 I led them with cords of human kindness and with ties of love. 00:10:05.519 --> 00:10:11.759 Just as a father holds his child securely and tight in his arms. 00:10:11.980 --> 00:10:18.120 So God has bound himself to his people with ties of love. 00:10:18.899 --> 00:10:21.579 It's such an intimate picture of delight. 00:10:22.000 --> 00:10:23.299 Look at the rest of verse 4. 00:10:23.299 --> 00:10:26.639 I lifted the yoke from their neck. 00:10:28.039 --> 00:10:32.259 Now just in the reading of this, the translation isn't really very clear. 00:10:32.359 --> 00:10:37.679 Because the word for yoke, if you notice, can also mean child. 00:10:37.839 --> 00:10:46.679 So the image, the picture that we have here is of a father bending down and lifting up his child towards his neck. 00:10:46.899 --> 00:10:48.679 Almost cuddle-like. 00:10:48.679 --> 00:10:53.919 And then as he picks up the child, he puts them down. 00:10:54.000 --> 00:10:55.139 Look at the end of verse 4. 00:10:55.599 --> 00:10:58.199 And bent down to feed them. 00:10:59.000 --> 00:11:03.859 Here is the picture of a father who delights in his child. 00:11:04.219 --> 00:11:06.559 And he longs to be with them. 00:11:07.659 --> 00:11:14.099 And so these pictures show us the heart of the father and his gracious, tender love. 00:11:14.100 --> 00:11:24.159 But most importantly, it reveals the gracious love of God towards people like you and me. 00:11:25.100 --> 00:11:26.759 Look back to verse 1. 00:11:29.240 --> 00:11:30.080 He says, 00:11:30.080 --> 00:11:34.180 When Israel was a child, I loved him. 00:11:34.920 --> 00:11:37.980 And out of Egypt, I called my son. 00:11:38.779 --> 00:11:43.200 Egypt, you remember from the other week, is a place of slavery. 00:11:44.100 --> 00:11:46.200 A place of oppression and death. 00:11:46.680 --> 00:11:49.580 And Hosea is taking us right back to that time. 00:11:50.060 --> 00:11:53.860 In fact, he's taking us back to when God spoke to Pharaoh. 00:11:54.120 --> 00:11:56.259 And it's recorded for us in Exodus. 00:11:56.519 --> 00:11:57.960 You see it there on the screen. 00:11:58.879 --> 00:12:01.480 As God spoke to Pharaoh, this is what he said. 00:12:01.840 --> 00:12:03.940 This is what the Lord says. 00:12:04.379 --> 00:12:07.639 Israel is my firstborn son. 00:12:07.639 --> 00:12:13.759 And I told you, let my son go so that he may worship me. 00:12:14.000 --> 00:12:21.699 It's the first time that God speaks of himself as a father and his people as his son. 00:12:22.199 --> 00:12:27.620 God longs to bring his child home to himself so that they might worship him. 00:12:27.620 --> 00:12:31.639 And that's God's desire for us. 00:12:32.919 --> 00:12:44.220 For years later, God's true son, Jesus Christ, would find himself as a young baby, a young child, as a refugee in Egypt. 00:12:44.480 --> 00:12:47.659 Escaping from the cruel threat of Herod. 00:12:49.519 --> 00:12:52.580 Matthew tells us what actually happened. 00:12:52.580 --> 00:12:55.460 Have a look at Matthew chapter 2. 00:12:55.960 --> 00:12:57.500 Keep your finger in Hosea. 00:12:58.320 --> 00:13:03.940 And just go forward a few pages to the first book of the New Testament, Matthew chapter 2. 00:13:09.360 --> 00:13:11.620 Matthew chapter 2, verse 14. 00:13:11.620 --> 00:13:26.399 So here Matthew is recording how Jesus ended up as a refugee in Egypt in some ways, you know, away from home. 00:13:27.779 --> 00:13:29.500 Chapter 2, verse 14. 00:13:29.500 --> 00:13:42.620 So he, that's Joseph, got up, took the child Jesus and his mother Mary during the night and left for Egypt, where he stayed until the death of Herod. 00:13:43.179 --> 00:13:49.500 And so was fulfilled what the Lord had said through the prophet, the prophet Hosea. 00:13:50.220 --> 00:13:54.179 Out of Egypt I called my son. 00:13:54.779 --> 00:13:59.039 You see, Jesus is the true son. 00:13:59.500 --> 00:14:01.879 He is the true Israel. 00:14:02.220 --> 00:14:05.779 The only son who loved God fully and faithfully. 00:14:06.200 --> 00:14:09.360 The son that the father treasured and delighted in. 00:14:09.720 --> 00:14:12.120 And God called him up out of Egypt. 00:14:12.559 --> 00:14:17.460 And the point is that through Jesus, as we trust in him, 00:14:17.840 --> 00:14:23.980 you and I have been called up out of Egypt to be his son. 00:14:23.980 --> 00:14:29.120 Jesus has called us out of our slavery to sin and death. 00:14:29.120 --> 00:14:32.420 He's rescued us from our cruel oppressor, Satan. 00:14:32.840 --> 00:14:39.720 He has healed us by forgiving us of all our sin and restoring that right relationship with him. 00:14:39.720 --> 00:14:47.480 Through Jesus, the true son, we become sons of the living God. 00:14:47.480 --> 00:14:53.340 We become his children, treasured and loved and delighted in. 00:14:53.399 --> 00:14:57.540 Or as we were reminded from Romans 8, we can now cry out, 00:14:57.740 --> 00:14:59.259 Abba, Father. 00:14:59.259 --> 00:15:05.220 We are now bound to him by his strong arms of love. 00:15:06.039 --> 00:15:12.559 This is the father's gracious love towards people like you and me. 00:15:13.639 --> 00:15:24.700 And what's so amazing is this love of the father is a love he has for a runaway child. 00:15:24.700 --> 00:15:26.800 Look at verse 2. 00:15:29.379 --> 00:15:32.540 Back to Hosea chapter 11, verse 2. 00:15:32.680 --> 00:15:39.100 But the more I called Israel, the further they went from me. 00:15:39.700 --> 00:15:45.220 Now we've all experienced or at least seen a little child running away from their father. 00:15:45.820 --> 00:15:49.520 They see the gate is open and they're away. 00:15:50.360 --> 00:15:52.640 And immediately the father calls out, 00:15:52.639 --> 00:15:53.840 Come back! 00:15:54.419 --> 00:15:55.399 Come back! 00:15:56.559 --> 00:15:59.120 And there's an initial pause in their run. 00:16:00.019 --> 00:16:01.699 And then they take off again. 00:16:02.480 --> 00:16:03.500 Come back! 00:16:04.779 --> 00:16:06.659 But they just keep on running. 00:16:08.039 --> 00:16:13.600 And then there's a point when the thrill and the excitement of the child as he's running away 00:16:13.600 --> 00:16:16.179 turns to fear. 00:16:16.179 --> 00:16:23.719 They fear going back for what the father might do. 00:16:24.439 --> 00:16:26.219 So they keep on running. 00:16:27.279 --> 00:16:30.519 And it seems that is exactly what we are like. 00:16:30.859 --> 00:16:31.839 Look at verse 7. 00:16:33.000 --> 00:16:36.620 My people are determined to turn from me. 00:16:37.059 --> 00:16:39.399 They're determined to keep on running. 00:16:39.399 --> 00:16:43.039 Even if they call to the Most High. 00:16:43.039 --> 00:16:50.139 And in the context here, the Most High is referring to the gods, to the Baals, to other places of worship. 00:16:50.500 --> 00:16:55.259 Even if they call out to other gods, they will by no means exalt them. 00:16:55.959 --> 00:16:57.720 There will be no answer from them. 00:16:57.720 --> 00:17:04.120 It seems that in the same way, we are determined to run. 00:17:04.600 --> 00:17:07.819 We run after other gods, after other lovers, 00:17:08.299 --> 00:17:12.819 seeking our joy and our happiness away from the father. 00:17:12.819 --> 00:17:20.599 But of course, there is nothing to fear by returning to the father. 00:17:21.259 --> 00:17:23.779 He longs for us to come home. 00:17:24.139 --> 00:17:25.859 He delights in us. 00:17:26.359 --> 00:17:29.200 There is no fear in running back. 00:17:30.039 --> 00:17:34.359 The only fear we should have is in running away. 00:17:35.319 --> 00:17:36.799 Look back at verse 5. 00:17:36.799 --> 00:17:41.639 Will they not return to Egypt? 00:17:42.839 --> 00:17:47.839 And will not Assyria rule over them because they refuse to repent? 00:17:48.619 --> 00:17:51.200 Swords will flash in their cities. 00:17:51.579 --> 00:17:56.139 Will destroy the bars at our gates and put an end to their plans. 00:17:57.379 --> 00:18:00.139 Because they keep on running away, 00:18:00.740 --> 00:18:05.220 God will bring his discipline upon them to bring them back. 00:18:05.220 --> 00:18:08.680 Assyria, the great nation, will come. 00:18:09.720 --> 00:18:12.120 And their running will come to an end. 00:18:12.380 --> 00:18:14.579 Not because God wants to hurt them, 00:18:14.839 --> 00:18:17.360 but because the father loves them. 00:18:20.500 --> 00:18:21.860 And sometimes, 00:18:22.500 --> 00:18:25.500 God must discipline us. 00:18:26.620 --> 00:18:29.900 It's God's cry to his wayward child. 00:18:30.799 --> 00:18:33.720 Come back, my child. 00:18:33.720 --> 00:18:35.059 Come back. 00:18:35.220 --> 00:18:42.000 And if you've been running from the father like a runaway child, 00:18:42.779 --> 00:18:45.100 then hear these words. 00:18:45.600 --> 00:18:49.740 If you are seeking your joy and happiness in other places, 00:18:50.079 --> 00:18:52.539 rather than in the delight of the father, 00:18:53.059 --> 00:18:55.000 hear these words. 00:18:55.000 --> 00:18:55.500 My son, 00:18:55.500 --> 00:18:57.259 my son, 00:18:57.259 --> 00:19:02.079 do not despise the Lord's discipline 00:19:02.079 --> 00:19:05.740 and do not resent his rebuke 00:19:05.740 --> 00:19:10.900 because the Lord disciplines those he loves 00:19:10.900 --> 00:19:13.140 as a father, 00:19:13.900 --> 00:19:15.680 the son he delights in. 00:19:15.680 --> 00:19:16.680 hear the call of the father. 00:19:16.680 --> 00:19:20.120 Hear the call of the father to your heart today. 00:19:20.620 --> 00:19:22.920 Come back, runaway child. 00:19:24.060 --> 00:19:28.279 Come back to the father's gracious love. 00:19:28.279 --> 00:19:34.839 Not only is there the father's gracious love, 00:19:35.059 --> 00:19:39.099 but there's the father's persistent mercy. 00:19:41.099 --> 00:19:41.579 Surprisingly, 00:19:42.200 --> 00:19:43.099 incredibly, 00:19:43.339 --> 00:19:45.619 the father does not give up on his son. 00:19:45.980 --> 00:19:47.899 He is merciful towards him. 00:19:47.900 --> 00:19:48.980 Again, 00:19:49.080 --> 00:19:51.060 we're given these pictures and images. 00:19:52.120 --> 00:19:52.600 First, 00:19:53.060 --> 00:19:54.220 God's persistence. 00:19:54.500 --> 00:19:55.960 Look at the beginning of verse 8. 00:19:55.960 --> 00:19:58.880 How can I give up on you, 00:19:59.000 --> 00:19:59.500 Ephraim? 00:19:59.819 --> 00:20:01.980 How can I hand you over, 00:20:02.160 --> 00:20:02.480 Israel? 00:20:02.980 --> 00:20:05.539 How can I treat you like Adma? 00:20:05.900 --> 00:20:08.360 How can I make you like Zeboim? 00:20:10.000 --> 00:20:13.039 Adma and Zeboim were two cities 00:20:13.039 --> 00:20:15.660 that God had destroyed 00:20:15.660 --> 00:20:18.920 because of the persistent sin of the people 00:20:18.920 --> 00:20:20.299 and their evil ways. 00:20:21.140 --> 00:20:22.460 And now Israel, 00:20:22.920 --> 00:20:23.779 God's son, 00:20:23.779 --> 00:20:26.480 are doing exactly the same thing. 00:20:26.599 --> 00:20:28.740 They are persisting in their rebellion. 00:20:29.359 --> 00:20:31.079 But the father cries out. 00:20:31.200 --> 00:20:31.539 He says, 00:20:31.740 --> 00:20:33.879 How could I do that to you, 00:20:34.240 --> 00:20:35.059 my son? 00:20:35.559 --> 00:20:36.960 You're my child. 00:20:38.539 --> 00:20:40.539 He does not give up on them. 00:20:40.819 --> 00:20:42.740 He persists with them. 00:20:44.940 --> 00:20:47.980 He persists with mercy. 00:20:48.480 --> 00:20:49.819 Look at the rest of verse 8. 00:20:49.819 --> 00:20:52.920 My heart is changed within me 00:20:52.920 --> 00:20:56.360 and all my compassion is aroused. 00:20:57.340 --> 00:21:00.340 God the father knows what they deserve. 00:21:00.880 --> 00:21:04.320 The evidence has been built up year after year 00:21:04.320 --> 00:21:06.100 of their runaway lives 00:21:06.100 --> 00:21:08.460 and it stands in evidence against them. 00:21:08.800 --> 00:21:11.100 But the father is cut to the heart. 00:21:11.480 --> 00:21:12.779 This is my son. 00:21:12.779 --> 00:21:16.839 And as he agonises over what he must do, 00:21:17.359 --> 00:21:19.639 his compassion moves him 00:21:19.639 --> 00:21:24.039 not to treat his son as he deserves. 00:21:24.559 --> 00:21:28.980 The father has mercy upon his guilty son. 00:21:32.399 --> 00:21:33.160 Incredibly, 00:21:33.779 --> 00:21:36.099 God relents. 00:21:37.359 --> 00:21:38.539 Look at verse 9. 00:21:38.539 --> 00:21:45.079 I will not carry out my fierce anger. 00:21:45.899 --> 00:21:49.659 Nor will I turn and devastate Ephraim. 00:21:51.339 --> 00:21:54.559 While the son continues to turn 00:21:54.559 --> 00:21:56.519 and run from the father, 00:21:56.819 --> 00:21:58.899 as the son is running away, 00:21:59.960 --> 00:22:02.359 notice what the father does in verse 9. 00:22:02.359 --> 00:22:05.879 The father himself turns from his anger 00:22:05.880 --> 00:22:07.500 towards his son. 00:22:08.800 --> 00:22:10.680 As the son runs away, 00:22:11.260 --> 00:22:12.700 the father runs after. 00:22:13.720 --> 00:22:16.700 The father turns away from his anger. 00:22:17.660 --> 00:22:19.000 The father had warned. 00:22:19.380 --> 00:22:21.260 The father had told his child 00:22:21.260 --> 00:22:22.080 what would happen. 00:22:23.100 --> 00:22:24.600 But now he relents. 00:22:25.520 --> 00:22:27.140 He turns back 00:22:27.140 --> 00:22:29.900 from what he said he would do. 00:22:31.300 --> 00:22:33.580 It's not what we expect. 00:22:33.579 --> 00:22:37.980 For if someone persistently turns against you 00:22:37.980 --> 00:22:41.419 in one of your closest loving relationships, 00:22:41.779 --> 00:22:45.079 if you are continuously hurt by their actions, 00:22:45.500 --> 00:22:48.319 the natural response is one of anger 00:22:48.319 --> 00:22:49.899 and bitterness 00:22:49.899 --> 00:22:51.559 and revenge. 00:22:52.819 --> 00:22:55.339 But the father does not do that. 00:22:56.000 --> 00:22:56.460 Why? 00:22:57.419 --> 00:22:58.980 Well, look at the rest of verse 9. 00:22:58.980 --> 00:23:02.940 For I am God 00:23:02.940 --> 00:23:06.480 and not man. 00:23:07.539 --> 00:23:10.579 The Holy One among you. 00:23:11.319 --> 00:23:14.400 I will not come in wrath. 00:23:16.779 --> 00:23:18.240 God is holy. 00:23:19.360 --> 00:23:21.860 God is set apart from us. 00:23:23.200 --> 00:23:25.160 God is not like us. 00:23:25.440 --> 00:23:26.599 He is among us, 00:23:26.740 --> 00:23:28.360 but he is not like us. 00:23:29.019 --> 00:23:30.939 He does not respond to us 00:23:30.939 --> 00:23:31.819 in the same way 00:23:31.819 --> 00:23:33.619 that we respond to each other. 00:23:33.839 --> 00:23:36.079 Because if God were like me, 00:23:37.259 --> 00:23:38.819 then he would not persist. 00:23:39.919 --> 00:23:41.019 He would give up. 00:23:42.159 --> 00:23:43.559 If God were like me, 00:23:43.639 --> 00:23:45.240 he would not show mercy. 00:23:46.000 --> 00:23:47.439 If God were like me, 00:23:47.519 --> 00:23:48.879 he would not relent. 00:23:48.880 --> 00:23:53.140 For I am God 00:23:53.140 --> 00:23:54.940 and not man. 00:23:56.500 --> 00:23:57.040 Thankfully, 00:23:57.340 --> 00:24:00.300 God is not like us. 00:24:00.299 --> 00:24:01.059 God is not like us. 00:24:03.579 --> 00:24:07.339 Well, as we look at this text, 00:24:07.500 --> 00:24:09.659 as we look at the Father's heart, 00:24:10.419 --> 00:24:11.919 we might be forgiven 00:24:11.919 --> 00:24:14.139 for being somewhat confused. 00:24:15.159 --> 00:24:17.680 Because it seems that the Father 00:24:17.680 --> 00:24:20.619 is struggling to make up his own mind. 00:24:21.399 --> 00:24:23.319 One moment he tells us 00:24:23.319 --> 00:24:25.659 that he must punish his people. 00:24:25.660 --> 00:24:28.080 So let's look again at verse 5. 00:24:29.880 --> 00:24:30.320 He says, 00:24:30.560 --> 00:24:32.980 Will they not return to Egypt? 00:24:33.640 --> 00:24:36.400 And will not Assyria rule over them? 00:24:36.440 --> 00:24:38.180 Because they refuse to repent. 00:24:38.720 --> 00:24:41.600 Swords will flash in their cities. 00:24:42.720 --> 00:24:43.920 I will punish them. 00:24:45.040 --> 00:24:48.460 And then the next moment he tells us that he's going to relent. 00:24:48.779 --> 00:24:49.600 Verse 9. 00:24:50.480 --> 00:24:54.100 I will not carry out my fierce anger. 00:24:54.099 --> 00:24:57.279 So which one is it God? 00:24:57.980 --> 00:25:00.219 Are you going to come and punish sin? 00:25:01.259 --> 00:25:04.000 Or are you going to come and be full of mercy? 00:25:07.059 --> 00:25:08.859 Well the answer is both. 00:25:10.039 --> 00:25:11.379 God will judge. 00:25:12.619 --> 00:25:14.159 And God will save. 00:25:15.679 --> 00:25:17.199 How does he do that? 00:25:18.639 --> 00:25:21.759 Well, again just keep your finger there in Hosea. 00:25:21.759 --> 00:25:23.799 And go back to Deuteronomy. 00:25:24.099 --> 00:25:25.959 Chapter 21. 00:25:27.119 --> 00:25:30.099 It's right towards the beginning of your Bible. 00:25:31.359 --> 00:25:40.139 Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy chapter 21. 00:25:40.140 --> 00:25:44.580 And verse 18. 00:25:52.580 --> 00:25:59.460 This is something that God is speaking about his people and how they should live. 00:25:59.460 --> 00:26:04.259 Deuteronomy chapter 21 verse 18. 00:26:04.259 --> 00:26:14.480 If a man has a stubborn and rebellious son who does not obey his father and mother and will not listen to them when they discipline him, 00:26:14.480 --> 00:26:21.680 his father and mother shall take hold of him and bring him to the elders at the gate of his town. 00:26:22.740 --> 00:26:24.759 They shall say to the elders, 00:26:24.759 --> 00:26:28.039 this son of ours is stubborn and rebellious. 00:26:28.039 --> 00:26:30.059 He will not obey us. 00:26:30.500 --> 00:26:33.259 He is a prolificate and a drunkard. 00:26:33.259 --> 00:26:36.140 That is, he is reckless and wasteful. 00:26:37.579 --> 00:26:42.299 Then all the men of his town shall stone him to death. 00:26:42.299 --> 00:26:48.259 Now that seems a bit harsh. 00:26:49.460 --> 00:26:52.019 He would stone this son. 00:26:53.299 --> 00:26:54.720 But there was a reason. 00:26:55.319 --> 00:26:56.819 Look at the rest of verse 21. 00:26:56.819 --> 00:27:01.240 You must purge the evil from among you. 00:27:02.480 --> 00:27:04.759 And all Israel will hear of it. 00:27:05.659 --> 00:27:06.899 And be afraid. 00:27:08.259 --> 00:27:14.179 You see, the picture there is of a family unit of this reckless, wasteful son 00:27:14.179 --> 00:27:17.879 who is destroying and breaking down the family home, 00:27:18.299 --> 00:27:19.799 breaking down the relationships. 00:27:20.220 --> 00:27:21.700 He is saying they must be removed. 00:27:22.000 --> 00:27:22.839 They have been warned. 00:27:23.139 --> 00:27:24.480 He will not turn away. 00:27:26.819 --> 00:27:30.519 But it wasn't just individual sons. 00:27:32.000 --> 00:27:32.779 God is saying, 00:27:33.319 --> 00:27:35.139 you Israel as a nation 00:27:35.139 --> 00:27:37.879 are that rebellious son. 00:27:38.319 --> 00:27:42.159 You are that runaway child who will not listen. 00:27:43.659 --> 00:27:47.139 And God was so serious about Israel's sin 00:27:47.139 --> 00:27:51.939 that he needed to purge the evil from among his people. 00:27:52.939 --> 00:27:54.759 He could not tolerate it. 00:27:54.759 --> 00:27:58.680 They could not live with him with this kind of behaviour. 00:27:59.440 --> 00:28:03.500 And so Assyria did come as God promised. 00:28:04.000 --> 00:28:07.059 Assyria did come and wipe the nation out. 00:28:07.480 --> 00:28:10.099 Israel or evil was destroyed. 00:28:10.619 --> 00:28:11.839 Judgment fell. 00:28:12.879 --> 00:28:15.400 The evil was purged. 00:28:15.400 --> 00:28:19.620 Go back to Hosea. 00:28:22.080 --> 00:28:24.240 You see, the problem is, 00:28:25.440 --> 00:28:29.320 it's not just Israel the nation that are the rebellious son. 00:28:30.320 --> 00:28:33.820 We too are that same rebellious son. 00:28:33.819 --> 00:28:38.419 And God must purge our sinful lives 00:28:38.419 --> 00:28:40.419 from this world. 00:28:41.500 --> 00:28:45.919 He cannot tolerate and put up with our persistent sin, 00:28:46.759 --> 00:28:49.539 the reckless, wasteful living. 00:28:49.539 --> 00:28:57.559 So how can God both punish my sin on the one hand, 00:28:58.200 --> 00:29:00.460 and remain true to his promise, 00:29:00.579 --> 00:29:02.460 what he's telling us here in verse 9, 00:29:02.460 --> 00:29:05.500 I will not carry out my fierce anger. 00:29:05.500 --> 00:29:08.759 Which is it to be? 00:29:10.759 --> 00:29:12.500 Well, the answer is both. 00:29:14.240 --> 00:29:18.099 And we see it both happening at the cross 00:29:18.099 --> 00:29:20.180 where the tension is fulfilled. 00:29:21.059 --> 00:29:22.960 The father's true son, 00:29:24.019 --> 00:29:27.180 the only faithful, loyal son, 00:29:27.279 --> 00:29:28.480 the true Israel, 00:29:28.480 --> 00:29:30.799 Jesus Christ, 00:29:31.539 --> 00:29:34.759 is treated as the rebellious runaway child 00:29:34.759 --> 00:29:36.240 for you and for me. 00:29:36.759 --> 00:29:39.420 And if Jesus is led out through the gates, 00:29:39.720 --> 00:29:40.980 away from the city, 00:29:41.180 --> 00:29:42.360 to his execution, 00:29:42.880 --> 00:29:44.519 so he carries with him 00:29:44.519 --> 00:29:46.019 the sin of the world, 00:29:46.400 --> 00:29:48.099 my sin and your sin. 00:29:48.980 --> 00:29:52.539 And as we place our trust and our confidence in him, 00:29:52.539 --> 00:29:57.460 so we are purged from the sin and the evil within our hearts. 00:29:57.460 --> 00:30:00.700 Our disobedience is removed from us 00:30:00.700 --> 00:30:02.819 and placed on his son. 00:30:03.220 --> 00:30:06.660 And instead of God's fierce anger falling on us, 00:30:07.920 --> 00:30:11.519 it falls on his own son. 00:30:14.059 --> 00:30:18.279 How can God be so merciful towards you and I? 00:30:19.600 --> 00:30:21.160 Well, look at the middle of verse 9. 00:30:22.420 --> 00:30:26.660 For I am God and not man. 00:30:27.460 --> 00:30:32.840 I do not treat you the way you treat each other. 00:30:34.279 --> 00:30:38.500 I do not treat you as you deserve to be treated. 00:30:40.420 --> 00:30:42.079 God is merciful 00:30:42.079 --> 00:30:48.120 towards wayward children like us. 00:30:48.119 --> 00:30:51.359 And God does all of this 00:30:51.359 --> 00:30:55.399 so that we might stay home, 00:30:55.500 --> 00:30:58.879 that we might return home with him. 00:30:59.979 --> 00:31:02.439 It's because of his persistent mercy 00:31:02.439 --> 00:31:05.819 that the son does return home. 00:31:05.899 --> 00:31:06.799 Look at verse 10. 00:31:06.799 --> 00:31:11.180 They will follow the Lord. 00:31:11.859 --> 00:31:14.159 He will roar like a lion. 00:31:14.740 --> 00:31:15.759 When he roars, 00:31:15.819 --> 00:31:18.899 his children will come trembling from the west. 00:31:19.980 --> 00:31:22.839 They will come trembling like birds from Egypt, 00:31:23.220 --> 00:31:24.839 like doves from Assyria. 00:31:24.839 --> 00:31:30.919 They say that the roar of a lion on the safari 00:31:30.919 --> 00:31:34.480 can be heard from five miles away. 00:31:35.699 --> 00:31:39.679 It's a roar that every creature within the vicinity can hear. 00:31:40.220 --> 00:31:43.439 Well, God the Father has let out the roar. 00:31:44.220 --> 00:31:47.639 A roar that travels the world to all peoples 00:31:47.640 --> 00:31:48.820 and to all nations. 00:31:49.180 --> 00:31:50.780 A roar that cries out, 00:31:51.160 --> 00:31:53.280 Come home, my son. 00:31:53.520 --> 00:31:54.400 Come home. 00:31:55.460 --> 00:31:58.020 Your sin has been dealt with. 00:31:58.440 --> 00:32:02.180 Grace and mercy are yours in abundance. 00:32:02.180 --> 00:32:05.860 And in time, 00:32:06.019 --> 00:32:09.640 God did bring his people back from exile. 00:32:10.720 --> 00:32:12.799 But that bringing back from exile 00:32:12.799 --> 00:32:15.460 was just a picture of a greater homecoming. 00:32:15.820 --> 00:32:19.100 The homecoming of people like you and me. 00:32:20.120 --> 00:32:23.980 You see, as the good news of Jesus Christ is declared, 00:32:24.820 --> 00:32:29.100 so runaway children are called home to the Father. 00:32:29.099 --> 00:32:33.259 As you and I begin to speak the good news of Jesus 00:32:33.259 --> 00:32:34.859 to family and friends, 00:32:35.159 --> 00:32:39.179 as we proclaim the mercy of God displayed on the cross, 00:32:39.459 --> 00:32:41.619 we are showing other people, 00:32:42.039 --> 00:32:43.459 this is the way home. 00:32:44.219 --> 00:32:45.480 This is the path. 00:32:47.319 --> 00:32:48.679 Look at the end of verse 11. 00:32:48.799 --> 00:32:51.379 I will settle them in their homes, 00:32:51.819 --> 00:32:53.159 declares the Lord. 00:32:54.119 --> 00:32:56.539 To come to the Father. 00:32:56.539 --> 00:32:59.980 To come to him in repentance. 00:33:00.859 --> 00:33:03.399 To live a life of repentance and faith 00:33:03.399 --> 00:33:07.279 is to truly come home and stay home. 00:33:08.000 --> 00:33:10.159 This is where we belong. 00:33:10.440 --> 00:33:13.399 A place of joy and peace and happiness. 00:33:13.799 --> 00:33:16.659 A place at the Father's table. 00:33:17.460 --> 00:33:21.319 A home where we are loved and treasured and delighted in. 00:33:21.319 --> 00:33:25.359 A home where we receive grace and mercy and abundance. 00:33:25.720 --> 00:33:27.759 A home where we can cry out, 00:33:28.159 --> 00:33:29.799 Abba, Father. 00:33:32.200 --> 00:33:34.679 This is where we belong. 00:33:36.720 --> 00:33:37.679 And one day, 00:33:38.460 --> 00:33:40.639 there will be that final roar. 00:33:41.819 --> 00:33:43.679 And we will be called home 00:33:43.679 --> 00:33:46.139 to our eternal home. 00:33:46.140 --> 00:33:49.480 Home at last. 00:33:50.100 --> 00:33:51.180 With the Father. 00:33:52.100 --> 00:33:53.420 In his presence. 00:33:54.400 --> 00:33:55.720 Delighting in him. 00:33:56.220 --> 00:33:57.340 Enjoying him. 00:33:57.680 --> 00:34:00.900 Forever and forever and forever. 00:34:02.080 --> 00:34:04.080 The gracious love. 00:34:05.360 --> 00:34:06.920 The mercy of the Father 00:34:06.920 --> 00:34:08.800 towards wayward children. 00:34:09.800 --> 00:34:11.900 Calling us home every day. 00:34:11.900 --> 00:34:14.320 Do not run from me. 00:34:15.220 --> 00:34:16.639 But stay close. 00:34:18.059 --> 00:34:21.320 And you will know treasures and delight. 00:34:24.599 --> 00:34:25.960 As we close, 00:34:26.940 --> 00:34:29.400 I want us to reflect on something. 00:34:29.400 --> 00:34:37.260 I want to ask a question or two. 00:34:38.539 --> 00:34:41.260 It's on your little sheets that you have. 00:34:42.180 --> 00:34:43.900 And the first question is this. 00:34:45.280 --> 00:34:48.820 What is it that tempts you away from the Father? 00:34:49.619 --> 00:34:51.840 Just answer that for yourself. 00:34:52.539 --> 00:34:53.400 What is it 00:34:53.400 --> 00:34:56.960 that tempts you away from the Father 00:34:56.960 --> 00:34:59.840 to leave the place of joy and happiness 00:34:59.840 --> 00:35:01.320 and peace? 00:35:01.880 --> 00:35:03.500 What tempts you to get up 00:35:03.500 --> 00:35:04.860 from the Father's table 00:35:04.860 --> 00:35:06.280 to look elsewhere 00:35:06.280 --> 00:35:07.740 for your joy and happiness? 00:35:12.960 --> 00:35:14.780 And the second thing is this. 00:35:15.880 --> 00:35:16.960 What is it 00:35:16.960 --> 00:35:19.000 that will keep you 00:35:19.000 --> 00:35:21.480 with the Father 00:35:21.480 --> 00:35:23.740 and beside the Father 00:35:23.740 --> 00:35:25.820 so that you do not stray? 00:35:26.960 --> 00:35:29.740 Just as you think about this, 00:35:29.900 --> 00:35:31.280 reflect on these words 00:35:31.280 --> 00:35:33.519 that I came across 00:35:33.519 --> 00:35:35.720 reading this week. 00:35:40.280 --> 00:35:41.679 Listen to these words. 00:35:44.440 --> 00:35:46.800 And then we'll just have a moment's quietness 00:35:46.800 --> 00:35:47.539 to reflect. 00:35:48.280 --> 00:35:49.860 Set your thoughts 00:35:49.860 --> 00:35:51.800 on the eternal love 00:35:51.800 --> 00:35:52.780 of the Father 00:35:52.780 --> 00:35:55.540 and see if your heart 00:35:55.540 --> 00:35:56.720 is not aroused 00:35:56.720 --> 00:35:58.420 to delight in Him. 00:36:00.320 --> 00:36:01.900 Sit down for a while 00:36:01.900 --> 00:36:04.120 at this delightful spring 00:36:04.120 --> 00:36:05.120 of living water 00:36:05.120 --> 00:36:08.019 and you will soon find 00:36:08.019 --> 00:36:09.460 its stream sweet 00:36:09.460 --> 00:36:10.660 and delightful. 00:36:11.940 --> 00:36:14.880 You who used to run from God 00:36:14.880 --> 00:36:17.640 will not now be able 00:36:17.639 --> 00:36:19.480 even for a second 00:36:19.480 --> 00:36:22.599 to keep any distance 00:36:22.599 --> 00:36:24.159 from Him. 00:36:26.400 --> 00:36:28.000 Let's just close our eyes. 00:36:29.960 --> 00:36:31.059 Set your thoughts 00:36:31.059 --> 00:36:33.059 on the eternal love 00:36:33.059 --> 00:36:33.659 of the Father. 00:36:35.259 --> 00:36:36.500 Do not stray. 00:36:36.500 --> 00:36:37.400 Let's pray. 00:36:37.400 --> 00:36:55.440 Let's go on theặng 00:36:55.440 --> 00:36:56.000 on the leider 00:36:56.000 --> 00:36:57.139 of the Father 00:36:57.139 --> 00:37:02.280 of the Father 00:37:02.280 --> 00:37:04.659 and give us 00:37:04.659 --> 00:37:09.079 Our Father God, 00:37:10.079 --> 00:37:12.299 we are so grateful that 00:37:12.299 --> 00:37:14.899 there is nothing to fear 00:37:14.899 --> 00:37:17.859 in returning to you. 00:37:19.139 --> 00:37:20.639 For you delight, 00:37:20.859 --> 00:37:23.759 you stand with arms open wide, 00:37:24.759 --> 00:37:27.699 ready to welcome us. 00:37:30.079 --> 00:37:33.000 Father, forgive us for the times this week 00:37:33.000 --> 00:37:35.699 we have run from you. 00:37:37.260 --> 00:37:39.940 We have ignored your call. 00:37:40.840 --> 00:37:42.139 Come back, my son. 00:37:47.239 --> 00:37:49.719 Father, we take our place afresh, 00:37:50.239 --> 00:37:52.300 as it were, at the table with you 00:37:52.300 --> 00:37:55.679 to enjoy you, 00:37:56.639 --> 00:37:58.280 to delight in you. 00:37:59.139 --> 00:38:02.360 For you are good and trustworthy, 00:38:03.000 --> 00:38:04.500 and generous. 00:38:05.800 --> 00:38:07.539 There is nothing to fear 00:38:07.539 --> 00:38:09.360 in your presence. 00:38:09.360 --> 00:38:14.480 Thank you that you are such a gracious 00:38:14.480 --> 00:38:16.559 and merciful Father. 00:38:17.900 --> 00:38:20.280 Thank you that we can experience 00:38:20.280 --> 00:38:23.760 that grace and mercy today through Christ. 00:38:23.760 --> 00:38:27.460 thank you that we are your children. 00:38:29.760 --> 00:38:32.440 And Father, would you help us this week 00:38:32.440 --> 00:38:36.380 to speak your truth 00:38:36.380 --> 00:38:39.780 that we may see loved ones, 00:38:40.400 --> 00:38:41.560 friends and family 00:38:41.560 --> 00:38:44.000 who are still running away. 00:38:44.000 --> 00:38:46.880 we long and pray, 00:38:46.880 --> 00:38:49.519 Father, would you please bring them back 00:38:49.519 --> 00:38:50.519 to yourself. 00:38:51.480 --> 00:38:52.880 May they love you, 00:38:53.239 --> 00:38:53.800 know you, 00:38:54.239 --> 00:38:56.340 and take their place at the table 00:38:56.340 --> 00:38:57.199 with you also. 00:38:58.579 --> 00:39:00.860 We pray this in Jesus' name. 00:39:02.360 --> 00:39:02.780 Amen. 00:39:02.780 --> 00:39:02.920 Amen. 00:39:07.040 --> 00:39:09.120 We're going to sing together. 00:39:11.540 --> 00:39:12.960 When I was lost, 00:39:13.120 --> 00:39:14.519 you came and rescued me. 00:39:14.519 --> 00:39:16.139 when I was lost, 00:39:16.139 --> 00:39:16.800 we were going to regionally. 00:39:16.800 --> 00:39:17.259 Anytime day, 00:39:17.259 --> 00:39:43.539 when I was told the system