The Means of His grace helping us to find our participation in His work of Redemption
Earnestly seeking the LORD.
Hosea 5 & 6
Ex Libris Alexus Minimus
A commentary from the pastor’s library
The ultimate stage in the LORD’S dealings with his people occurs when he abandons them to what they have chosen for themselves so that they might experience the full consequences of their rebellious choice and obstinate refusal to respond to his gracious overtures. ‘But my people did not listen to my voice; Israel would not submit to me. So I gave them over to their stubborn hearts, to follow their own plans’ (Ps. 81:11–12; cf. Ezek. 20:39). It is possible that a similar disciplinary process was in view when Paul handed Hymenaeus and Alexander ‘over to Satan that they may learn not to blaspheme’ (1 Tim. 1:20).
In his dealings with his people the LORD sets a limit on the outpouring of his wrath (Isa. 54:8). His discipline achieves its purpose when the sinner returns in repentance to God because of the severity of what he imposes on them. ‘O LORD, in distress they sought you; they poured out a whispered ˻prayer˼ ˻when˼ your chastening was on them’ (Isa. 26:16; cf. Ps. 50:15; 78:34; Isa. 26:9). A notable Old Testament instance of one who was brought by distress to humble himself before the LORD is Manasseh (2 Chron. 33:12–13).
Mackay, J. L. (2012). Hosea: A Mentor Commentary (pp. 179–180). Mentor.
TO SEE.
Knowing the Person & Work of the Triune God of the Universe.
How is the way He deals with our infidelity evidence of His holiness?
TO ENJOY.
Motivation and support to imitate His humanity through the service to others.
In what ways could our service to others be evidence of God’s truthfulness, i.e., of the beginning of worship?
TO SHARE.
Telling others about His work in your life.
The Triune God does not hide His displeasure for our infidelity nor conceals His generosity and grace; how can this honesty be attractive to those who do not know Him yet?
