SOAP 04/19/2016; Hosea 9:10

Today's reading: 1 Samuel 22; Psalm 17, 35; Matthew 6*

S) "¹⁰ I found Israel like grapes in the wilderness;
I saw your forefathers as the earliest fruit on the fig tree in its first season.
But they came to Baal-peor and devoted themselves to shame,
And they became as detestable as that which they loved."

Hosea 9:10 (NASB)
*because there are already entries for each of these chapters, I also read Hosea 9

O) The prophecy of this chapter seems to be mostly against the half-tribe of Ephraim. In fact, much of this book names Ephraim repeatedly. The paragraph before this verse, and after this verse, name Ephraim directly. That tribe (like all of the tribes of Israel) took its name from its forefather (in this case, it was Joseph's son, because Ephraim and Manasseh were half-tribes, both coming from one of the twelve sons of Jacob). When Ephraim was named, he was given the name because it means "fruitfulness" and Joseph said God had made him fruitful in the land of his affliction (see Genesis 41:52). Now, reading the words of Hosea, we see that God used the same name against them, but possibly as a substitute for the entirety of the Israelite nation, though, and not only against this one half-tribe. Remembering that Ephraim means "fruitfulness" puts things in a more poetic, meaningful way. The whole nation was supposed to be fruitful. They were supposed to bear fruit to God. It certainly was not only this half-tribe that betrayed their covenant.

A) While this verse is an obvious warning to Israel, and it reminds me of the dangers of idolatry (even spiritual idolatry that happens in the heart), this verse also reminds me of God's character. This verse highlights God's love for His people, and His heartbreak at their betrayal. When God sees me, what does He have planned for me? What kind of fruit am I supposed to bear, and for what purposes? I want to seek God, to realize those purposes and plans. I want to bear fruit, so that He is glad to cultivate me.

P) Father, You are holy and good. Your plans are perfect, and the vision You have for my life is beyond comparison. I want to find and fulfill Your will for me, Lord. I will never understand all of Your will for me, but let me focus on what I do know. Help me to be a better disciple of Jesus. Help me to be a more godly husband, and dad. Help me to minister to friends and family, as well as strangers. Open my eyes and ears, and lead me in the way I should go. Let Your will be done. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.