We get the picture from what Hosea writes that God had been, and would continue to, dial up the volume of the signs of his displeasure with his people. He would keep dialling them up until they became deafening and shattering. What else is there to do? If your child is running into traffic, any measure of shouting, chiding or rough handling would be justified if it saved them from disaster. By this stage the volume of God’s communication is high. He is shouting at Israel with the zeal of a concerned parent looking to avert disaster. God knew that if they spurned his protection, if they continued to trust other nations and their gods, they would be crushed and lost forever. God had been watching as they devoured one another, and he would not endure it. If a child of yours insisted on inflicting serious injury on your other children, serious measures would be justified to prevent this. That you should discipline the perpetrating child would not detract from your love for them. These oracles of Hosea express God’s concern about his family for generations to come. He will allow one generation to suffer judgement so as to save the next. That is why God dialled up the judgements on his people. He wanted them to hear, but if they would not hear then they would be an example to subsequent generations of what happens to those who reject the love of God. Always listen to the voice of God speaking to your conscience. May he never have to shout to get your attention.
Ask God to give you ears to hear the voice of his Spirit within you.
Read Hosea 9 and 10
