Chronological Reading Plan for July 20, Hosea 8-14

Today's readings are Hosea 8-14. Tomorrow's are Isaiah 28-30. 

Hosea 8 starts out with a chilling proclamation. Israel is in crisis becasue they have disobeyed God. They've made kings and idols and chosen not to trust in God for their protection and provision. Now, they have been  taken captive and carried away. 

Hosea 9-10 clarifies the infractions and wickedness, even as the description of their prior fruitfulness and productivity are mentioned. Not only had Israel been successful and prosperous, they maintained their religious practices. Their difficulty came from the self-centered nature of why they did all they did. It was to advance themselves. None of it was to honor the Father. This is where they failed, in placing themselves above God in their priorities. 

Hosea 11 details God's love for Israel in spite of their failings. Even so, there is a price to pay for their falling away.

We see that Israel and Judah will pay for their blatant rebellion in Hosea 12.  

God's people are loved but refined by Him. He will impose a consequence for their willful disobedience but He will n to destroy them nor will he abandon them. Indeed, His discipline is designed to turn them back toward Him where He will shower His grace upon their repentant hearts. 

The same is true for us. God's discipline in not meant to punish us, but to improve us and draw us closer to Him.