Verse: “Yet the Israelites will be like the sand on the seashore, which cannot be measured or counted. In the place where it was said to them, ‘You are not my people,’ they will be called ‘children of the living God.’  Hosea 1:10

Introduction: What is the longing of the Lord? – To redeem His people, across human history, we see how the Lord reached out to redeem. We are so precious to him that He sent His only begotten son Jesus. Story of Hosea

Background: It records the events from 753-715 B.C. including the fall of the Northern Kingdom in 722. The key personalities are Hosea, Gomer, and their children.

Its purpose was to illustrate the spiritual adultery of Israel and God’s boundless love for His sinful people. Hosea brings God’s message to the wicked Northern Kingdom.

During this time, they are active in oppressing the poor in slavery and worshipping idols. God, because of His grace, sent another opportunity for Israel to repent and turn to Him. Shortly thereafter, the Northern Kingdom went into permanent captivity.

Lesson: In chapters 1-3, God gives Hosea instructions to marry an unfaithful woman, and he obeys. His unfaithful wife Gomer leaves him and finds another man. Hosea is faithful; he finds her, redeems her and brings her back home to him. 

We see the heart of God the Father in these 4 verses

• My People: In the place where it was said to them, ‘You are not my people,’ they will be called ‘children of the living God.’  Hosea 1:10 

1. Stay With Lord: “Then I said to her, ‘You shall stay with me for many days. You shall not play the harlot, nor shall you have a man; so I will also be toward you” Hosea 3:3
2. Change Identify: I will show my love to the one I called ‘Not my loved one I will say to those called ‘Not my people,[j]’ ‘You are my people’;  and they will say, ‘You are my God.’”  Hosea 2:23
3. Loved Us: “When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called my son. Hosea 11:1