deep roots . new growth . much fruit

A Terrifying Love that

RoarsHosea 11:1-11

Hosea 11

• These are the final arguments in the case against Israel

• It is a study of contrasts• It highlights God’s character especially

His profound love

I have always loved you.

1. God is innocent of any wrongdoing toward His children– He has been intentional and involved in

their life from the very beginning.– He has been consistent and patient with

them in spite of their rebellion.– He has repeatedly demonstrated His love

in real, tangible and practical ways.

...even when you didn’t love me.

2. Israel is totally guilty of regular abuse of God’s goodness– They have tuned God’s voice out and have

grown accustomed to ignoring Him.– They have chosen to live their own way

and by their own rules.– They only call on God when they are in

trouble or need a bailout.

I still love you

3. Fortunately, for Israel God is not a man– He is both transcendent and immanent.– He is torn by the tensions of Israel’s sin

and his genuine care for them.– He has decided to relinquish his legitimate

rights in favor of mercy.

...even when it hurts.

4. In His love, God unleashes a super-natural roar– Anguish or pain over Israel’s abuses and

unresponsiveness– Grief at the loss of the relationship that He

desperately wants

...even when it hurts.

4. In His love, God unleashes a super-natural roar (cont’d)

– Anger or frustration at the idols and false worship that easily snare the Israelites

– Rebuke or punishment for their sins (Joel 3:16, Amos 1:2)

...even when it hurts.

4. In His love, God unleashes a super-natural roar (cont’d)

– Frighten away all of the other lovers– Call the wayward children to attention

again

I really love you

Unleashing God’s powerful passions

on an undeserving man

should reduce him to trembling.

Are you trembling yet?