In the midst of judgement against the nation of Israel, Hosea again turns his attention to the people of God, but not his contemporary audience. Hosea sets the scene as that of a judgement seat and before the bar comes sinful Israel: priests, people and kings to make their plea, bear their shame, and receive their due recompense. It is horrifying scene as God's wrath is poised to fall upon Israel.
Then Hosea sweeps away from the scene to a new picture of judgement. His focus flashes down through the ages to a coming time when God would again call a people who would bear His image before the world. From people to priests, to kings – all these would come to Him, honor Him and adhere to His holy word. The judgement that would come upon Israel for her sins, would also be addressed in these new people of God – not through the sacrifice of their own blood, but by the sacrifice of the One who would bear their violence, Jesus the sin bearer.
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February 17, 2013 | John Bayles | Before the Judgement Seat (Hosea 5:1-7)
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