Verse: Someday it will be impossible to count the people of Israel because there will be as many of them as there are grains of sand along the seashore. They are now called “Not My People,” but in the future they will be called “Children of the Living God.” Hosea 1:10

Background: The northern kingdom sinned, The Lord sends a prophet Hosea, and explains how the Lord sees their actions through the life of Hosea. Lord called Israel His people, people who received mercy, now due to their sins, immorality, sexual sins, ignorance, and idol worship. Lord calls his people the following.

1. Stubborn heifer: The Israelites are stubborn, like a stubborn heifer. Hosea 4:16
2. Adulterers, Hot Oven: They are all adulterers, burning like an oven Hosea 7:4
3. Half-baked Cake: “Ephraim mixes with the nations; Ephraim is a flat loaf not turned over. Hosea 7:8
4. Silly and senseless dove: “Ephraim is like a dove, easily deceived and senseless— Hosea 7:11
5. Crooked bow: They do not turn to the Most High; they are like a faulty bow. Hosea 7:16
6. Broken Pot: Israel is swallowed up; now she is among the nations like something no one wants. Hosea 8:8
7. Wandering wild donkey: For they have gone up to Assyria like a wild donkey wandering alone. Ephraim has sold herself to lovers. Hosea 8:9
8. Dried Up root: Ephraim is blighted, their root is withered, and they yield no fruit. Hosea 9:16
9. Empty Vine: Israel empties his vine; He brings forth fruit for himself. Hosea 10:1

Lord is on a mission to redeem His people, but when they intentionally kept sinning, above are the examples the Lord used to describe His people, it might look tough but when we realize our Lord is a loving father and righteous judge. It becomes a reality, what sin can do to us and how our Lord sees it. Oh, I wish we could see how the Lord sees the sinner, and when we sin if we for a moment think what will the Lord call us. Let us be very careful not to sin as it caused the death of Jesus on the cross.