A Story of God’s Love: The Book of Hosea | Lord’s Day Sermon | 9th November, 2025

The book of Hosea tells a story of divine love that refuses to give up. “When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called my son.” Though Israel turned away again and again, God’s love persisted. Israel doubled down on rebellion, but God doubled down on love.

In their prosperity, Israel forgot their Maker. They built palaces and fortified cities, seeking security apart from God. Yet the Lord, in His jealous love, resolved to bring them back, even through loss and pain. “I will not lose you,” He says. “I will take you back to the wilderness where it’s just you and Me.”

Hosea 14 reveals the heart of true repentance: not alliances, not idols, not strength or success, but simple words of return. “Assyria shall not save us; we will not ride on horses. In You, the orphan finds mercy.” To come to God is to confess our helplessness, to admit that apart from Him there is no safety, no significance, no future.

And how does God respond? “I will heal their apostasy; I will love them freely.” He promises restoration, life blossoming again like the trees of Lebanon, roots deep and branches flourishing under His shadow.

This is the story of God’s love, faithful in our unfaithfulness, steadfast through our wandering. His name is Love, and He acts accordingly. When we tire from running, He meets us there with mercy. On the cross, Christ paid the full price to make us the fulfillment of God’s loving intention for our lives.