TODAY IN THE WORD

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Philippians 3:20-4:1
Our citizenship is in heaven. - Philippians 3:20
TODAY IN THE WORD
Líena emigrated to the United States from the former Soviet Union. After the Soviet Union dissolved she had no citizenship. She traveled back and forth to visit family, but each trip involved numerous permissions from various consulates since she had no official passport. After living in the United States for nearly a decade, she finally received American citizenship. When asked what she appreciated as a citizen she replied, “When I arrive back from Russia, the U.S. Customs official sees my passport and says, ‘Welcome home!’”

Citizens have rights and privileges that others do not. Citizens have a home. The notion of citizenship had tremendous weight for the Philippian church; the Philippians enjoyed Roman citizenship with all its benefits. It was a source of great pride in that city. Paul interpreted citizenship spiritually, though, not politically. One consequence of their Roman citizenship was that the Philippians were under tremendous pressure to acknowledge Caesar as Lord. Their earthly citizenship brought challenges to living faithfully as Christians. In contrast to the “enemies of the cross” whose minds were on earthly things, Paul reminded the Philippians that their true citizenship was not Philippi or Rome, but in heaven.

As always, Paul turned the focus back to Christ. He described Him as “a Savior . . . the Lord Jesus Christ” (v. 20). This word order was intentional, a jab at Nero who described himself as “Caesar, Savior and Lord.” No matter what earthly leaders might claim, true power—the power to bring all things under His control and transform His people—lies only with our Savior in heaven, the Lord Jesus Christ.

In light of their heavenly citizenship, Paul exhorted the church to “stand firm” (4:1). This phrase in Greek includes the idea of standing together, another emphasis on their unity in the Lord. Paul's abundant love for this church spilled over as he used terms of affection and described them as his own “joy and crown.” Paul's concern was never abstract or theoretical but motivated by his deep love for the church and the cause of the gospel.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Most of us enjoy American citizenship, and we can be thankful for blessings like the freedom to worship and evangelize. But believers should not let our American citizenship supersede our heavenly citizenship. Just as the Philippians faced cultural pressures on their faith from the Roman Empire, what cultural pressures do we experience? Perhaps you struggle with materialism or a temptation to accept competing religious claims as equally valid. Pray for the discernment to live as a citizen of heaven, standing firm in the Lord.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Philippians 4:2-4
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! - Philippians 4:4
TODAY IN THE WORD
Missionaries leave the field for a variety of reasons; sometimes health or family concerns require it, or the host country may become either dangerous or unwilling to allow missionaries to stay. But the biggest reason—accounting for up to 75 percent of missionaries who leave, according to some estimates—is interpersonal conflict with other missionaries.

Tension and conflict between believers isn't a new phenomenon, nor is it likely to disappear before the Lord returns. Paul recognized the serious consequences and in these verses provided some helpful strategies for dealing with conflict.

Embedded in his extended call for humility and unity lies Paul's specific plea to two women, Euodia and Syntyche. They have often been unfairly depicted as two bitter nags. Paul gave no such indication; in fact, he described them with one of his highest compliments: they “have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel” (v. 3). These were faithful, respected women who had labored in the church. This was not a doctrinal debate. Paul never hesitated to stand firm when an issue central to the gospel was at stake. He didn't take sides in the conflict here, but instead urged the women to put aside their personal rights and agree with (or get along with) each other in the Lord (v. 2). He turned the focus from who might claim to be right to their identity in Christ. Being right was not the important issue in this conflict.

Paul asked others to help these women. A conflict in the church involves more than just those who aren't getting along. Stepping in to assist two feuding church leaders was one way Jesus said to be blessed: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the sons of God” (Matt. 5:9).

Paul concluded this section that began in Philippians 3:1 with another call to rejoice. This command gives the proper perspective for sorting out conflicts in the church, since rejoicing will move our minds and hearts from our own rights and opinions and on to Christ.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
We sometimes confuse “peacekeeping” with “peacemaking.” Some of us are very good at keeping the peace—we pretend nothing's wrong, gloss over every conflict, or live a lie so we don't rock the boat. This is not what it means to be a peacemaker! Peacemaking is active involvement with others to restore their focus on Jesus and the gospel. It calls believers to give up their “right to be right” in order to work alongside another. It means rejoicing in the Lord so that we can plead with others. Peacemaking isn't easy, but it is blessed.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Philippians 4:4-7
In everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. - Philippians 4:6
TODAY IN THE WORD
Different cultures have different expressions of politeness. Languages other than English often have a formal you and informal you to distinguish between polite or casual conversation. Using the wrong you is a social error! Asian cultures have extensive hierarchies of politeness based on the relationship between the speakers. Americans sometimes find Germans rude because they don't make small talk; Germans find Americans superficial because they say things they don't mean like “How are you?” and “Have a nice day!”

Our passage today contains familiar verses in Philippians, and we must be careful not to read them as Paul's list of pleasantries, a polite list of final thoughts. Paul continued to make his case for how the Philippian church should live “worthy of the gospel of Christ” (1:27).

Evidence of unity, humility, and maturity will be found through the qualities of joy, gentleness, and peace (cf. Gal. 5:22-23). Rejoicing is active, not passive, and focused on the Lord, not circumstances (v. 4). Gentleness, which might also be translated as “forbearance,” is the opposite of a self-seeking attitude. A church characterized by a gentle spirit will be noticed by the world, because seeking the good of others instead of self runs contrary to our natural impulses. The only way to achieve such gentleness is by remembering our present strength and our future goal: the Lord is near to sustain us, and the Lord is near in the time of His return (v. 5).

Peace comes from praying. The church at Philippi had many reasons to be anxious; they were persecuted, poor, and concerned about Paul. Rather than worry, they could actively present their petitions, praise, and thanksgiving to God. The peace of God that we receive from a posture of prayer cannot be rationalized away or understood apart from the work of the Lord. It transforms our worries and provides the strength to stand firm in Christ Jesus (v. 7).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
We must be rejoicing, praying people if we are to have joy, gentleness, and peace. In addition to your personal times of prayer, seek to gather with others for some corporate rejoicing and praying. Your church might hold midweek prayer services or other designated times for praise. Perhaps your Sunday school class or small group can dedicate time to prayer and rejoicing. These disciplines—corporately as well as individually—help to shape us into mature Christians with the fruit of the Spirit “evident to all” (v. 5).

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Philippians 4:8-9
If anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things. - Philippians 4:8
TODAY IN THE WORD
Da Vinci painted the Mona Lisa. Beethoven composed his Ninth Symphony. Shakespeare penned Hamlet. What should Christians think about these masterpieces? None are explicitly Christian in their themes or composition—can we enjoy and appreciate these works of culture?

Today's passage helps to answer that question. After assuring these believers that the peace of God would guard their hearts and minds (v. 7), Paul concluded this section of the letter with specifics about a Christian heart and mind and a final exhortation to follow his example.

The list of qualities in verse 8 is an unusual one in Scripture. Commentators have noted that it resembles lists of recommended virtues in Greco-Roman philosophy more than lists like the fruit of the Spirit. We can draw two conclusions from this: first, Paul readily accepted those things from culture that were lovely and right. All truth is God's truth, and He is the author and definition of what is beautiful and good (cf. James 1:17). When presented with cultural choices about how to fill our minds, we need to choose what is excellent and praiseworthy.

Second, Paul defined these attributes in light of the gospel. In other words, culture says that loveliness is a good thing—and that's correct. But how do we know what loveliness is? Only through knowing God better. We can determine what is true and noble only after becoming praying, rejoicing people who are filled with gentleness and peace. This list limits what we use to fill our minds by telling us to think only on what is right and pure. But it also expands what we can think on; the use of cultural content here means we can have discernment in enjoying and appreciating God's creation and the work of those who create masterpieces of art, literature, or music.

Paul then moved from what to think about to how to live. His life was a good model to follow, and he gave a benediction: “the God of peace will be with you.”
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Take some time today to appreciate something true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, or praiseworthy. Perhaps you need some extra time out of your home or office to be outside marveling at God's creation. Or listen to a beautiful piece of music, feeling praise for a Creator who gives such talents to His created people. If you struggle to decide what sorts of things fit with this list, ask the Lord to give you the discernment to know what should go into your mind and shape your heart.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Philippians 4:10-13
I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. - Philippians 4:11
TODAY IN THE WORD
In a 1989 interview, Mother Teresa was asked about the difference between the poor people with whom she worked in Calcutta and the rich people of the West. She replied: “I find the rich much poorer. Sometimes they are more lonely inside. They are never satisfied. They always need something more. . . . I find that poverty hard to remove.”

Paul presented this truth in our passage today: contentment is not based on circumstances. Neither wealth nor poverty has the ability to provide contentment; it comes only from Christ.

Paul transitioned to the section of the letter where he expressed thanks to the Philippians for their gift. Notice that their expression of concern for him caused him to rejoice in the Lord (v. 10). Some misunderstand Paul's tone here, as if the words “at last” connote some frustration on his part that a gift had not come sooner. But there's no sense of that frustration in the rest of this section, and instead these words are better understood as relief that they finally had an opportunity to express their ongoing concern for him.

The discussion then shifts to contentment. The placement of these verses seems strange; imagine getting a thank-you note that says, “I didn't really need the gift!” (see v. 11). We'll discuss the context of Paul's expression of thanks in more detail in a few days, but here Paul assured the Philippians that he was not manipulating them for additional gifts. Unlike false prophets or gurus who prey on their followers for financial gain, Paul was grateful for their support but also content in his situation.

Contentment is not found in a life of comfort and wealth, nor in self-deprivation and poverty. Neither materialism nor asceticism holds the key to a contented life. Contentment comes only from finding our strength in Christ (v. 13). We should not interpret this verse as “I can have it all!” Rather, we can survive any circumstance, live in any situation, through the strength found in a relationship with Jesus Christ.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Our lack of contentment indicates that we need to adjust our priorities. If we find ourselves thinking, “I'd be happier if only . . .” this is a red flag that we are not living in Christ's strength. The secret of contentment is found in seeking to know Christ, and the power of His resurrection (3:10). Prayerfully ponder these verses and ask God to shape in you a heart that seeks Him and is filled with the contentment that no earthly circumstance can shake.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 2 Corinthians 8:1-5
Their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. - 2 Corinthians 8:2
TODAY IN THE WORD
Oseola McCarty dropped out of school in the sixth grade to care for sick family members. She took in laundry and ironing to support herself, and never had a car or even an air conditioner in her Mississippi home. Yet in 1995, at the age of 87, she gave the bulk of her life savings—$150,000—to endow a scholarship for African-American students at the University of Southern Mississippi. After hearing about her generosity, others were moved to give as well.

Like Oseola McCarty, the Philippian church had extended generosity despite their circumstances. We're taking a brief detour from this letter to see what Paul said to the Corinthian church about them. The Corinthians had given financially to support the struggling church in Jerusalem, but later appeared to be wavering in their ongoing financial commitment (see vv. 10-12). The Corinthian believers were more financially secure than those in other cities, and Paul exhorted them to give cheerfully as they were able (see v. 14; 9:7). To encourage their giving, he reminded them of the generosity of the churches in Macedonia, which included Philippi and Thessalonica.

First, he described their generosity as an example of God's grace (v. 1). Their giving wasn't motivated by pride or self-importance but rather the work of God. Second, their generosity was a result of overflowing joy (v. 2). This joy did not come from their physical circumstances, which included extreme poverty and severe persecution. This was an extension of their rejoicing in the Lord.

Third, the Philippians viewed generosity as a privilege (v. 4). Paul described them as urgently pleading to share in this mission financially. They gave sacrificially, placing great value and priority on participating in this ministry even above their own needs (v. 3). Finally, they had the right priorities in their generosity (v. 5). They sought God's will and saw their financial giving as part of serving God. Their gift to Paul and his work was an extension of their first priority to please Christ.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
A Bible teacher in Sudan told of students who walked for two weeks in order to attend two weeks of classes. Do we have that much passion to study God's Word? Are we generous with our time, committing to give priority to the work of the Lord? Discussions of generosity often include financial issues, which are certainly appropriate. But we can be generous in other ways, and the example of the Philippians—and fellow believers in Sudan—challenges us to view our generosity of time and money as God's grace in our lives.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Philippians 4:14-16
Not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only. - Philippians 4:15
TODAY IN THE WORD
In a study on the development of financial giving to missions, one scholar noted, “Baptist women demonstrated that giving small amounts systematically was more effective than the occasional big offerings. . . . Women usually did not have large sums of money, but they did have the butter, egg, and knitting money to drop into empty sugar bowls. . . . Even the poor could experience the dignity of giving.”

Yesterday we saw the context for the generosity of the Philippians. This impoverished, persecuted church still responded joyfully at the opportunity to give to God's work. In our reading today, we see that this generosity was a habit. They had been supporting Paul since the formation of the church in Philippi.

After his discussion of contentment, Paul acknowledged that indeed his circumstances had been “troubles” (v. 14). The Philippians were not fair-weather friends, only supporting Paul when things were going well and criticizing him when his situation was bleak. (It seems that some in Corinth did attack Paul when his circumstances were difficult.) They were happy to identify with Paul and support him.

Even when other churches had been reluctant to financially contribute to Paul's missionary efforts, the Philippians faithfully gave. This habit began early (v. 15). Paul indicated that when the Philippians encountered the gospel, their reaction was generosity. This fits with the examples of Lydia and the Philippian jailer, both of whom responded immediately with hospitality when they embraced Christ (see Acts 16).

Even though Paul had just described his contentment, he didn't ignore the practical reality of having needs (v. 16). Paul was not a Stoic or Gnostic, pretending that physical, material needs didn't exist or didn't matter. Providing for these real needs was an important way of supporting his spiritual work of evangelism, church planting, and teaching. The Philippians partnered with Paul “again and again” for the sake of the gospel.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Yesterday we discussed an attitude of generosity for all our resources. Today, let's focus on a habit of financial generosity for God's work. Are you contributing what you can to missionary endeavors? Perhaps you could support the missions program at your church or contribute to a school that is training and preparing missionaries. With God's work being done from U.S. urban centers to jungle tribes, pray about which ministry of the gospel you can support financially.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Philippians 4:17-20
My God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. - Philippians 4:19
TODAY IN THE WORD
The practice of giving gifts in Japan is an important form of social communication with far more cultural rules than in the West. For instance, sets of four should never be given, as the word for four is the same as death. Clothing that touches the skin is seen as too intimate and should not be given to the elderly—with the exception of socks. The value of the gift is also important, since a gift that is too inexpensive is offensive, but one that costs too much implies that the recipient is now socially indebted to return a favor.

Gift giving in Greco-Roman culture had a similar set of rules. Long treatises were written detailing the rules about gifts, and it was understood that gifts between friends should not be accompanied by gushing thanks, since that would imply a relationship of obligation rather than friendship.

This helps us to understand why Paul, who clearly viewed the Philippians as his beloved friends, seemed somewhat reserved in his thanks (see v. 1). Paul again seemed to say that he neither needed nor expected this gift (vv. 11, 17). He also said that he did have needs (vv. 14, 16), so we see that Paul was responding in the culturally appropriate way between friends.

Beyond the cultural expectation of his thanks, though, Paul added the spiritual meaning of this gift from the Philippians. He appreciated their generosity not just for his own needs, but for what it meant about their spiritual health (v. 17). Their gifts to him were ultimately a sacrifice to God.

Again, Paul did not hint that he needed more money from the Philippians; he was “amply supplied” (v. 18). He could never be accused of seeking to gain materially from the churches. Knowing their own situation of poverty and persecution, he assured them that God would supply their needs out of His unlimited storehouse (v. 19). He ended his thanks to the Philippians by directing the glory to God, the fitting response to all generosity motivated by God's grace (v. 20).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Take a few moments to review this letter to the Philippians and notice how often Paul used the phrase, “in Christ Jesus.” In your journal or other place where you keep notes, make a list of the various contexts in which this phrase appears. When does Paul use it? What does this phrase tell us about different situations? How did “in Christ Jesus” give us perspective on our own circumstances and spiritual life? Choose at least one of these verses to commit to memory, helping you focus on life in Christ.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Philippians 4:21-23
The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen. - Philippians 4:23
TODAY IN THE WORD
Many churches include a benediction at the conclusion of the worship service. Some are formal declarations: “Now go in peace, and the God of all grace will sustain your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” Others use Scripture verses like Numbers 6:24: “The Lord bless you and keep you.” And others prefer an informal prayer at the end of the service that might include a request such as, “God, we ask you to watch over us as we leave this place.”

We have come to the final words and benediction in the letter to the Philippians. This is not unusual for Paul's letters, but these concluding remarks are hardly superficial. Even as he closed the letter, Paul revealed something about his heart for the church and the work of God.

Just as he opened the letter “to all the saints in Christ Jesus at Philippi,” Paul sent a final greeting to “all the saints in Christ Jesus” (v. 21; 1:1). He had stressed unity throughout this letter, and even in his closing remarks Paul reminded the Philippian believers that in Christ Jesus they were all saints. There is no space to claim personal rights and privileges among the saints of God who have received His grace. Our truest identity is found as saints, the redeemed people of God.

Paul also sent greetings from those with him, likely including some of those mentioned in Romans 16 (v. 22). He emphasized that greetings came from those saints who belonged to “Caesar's household.” The church in Philippi was buffeted by persecution from the Roman Empire, but Paul reminded them that the gospel of Christ had penetrated the very heart of Nero's palace. The Lord Jesus was more powerful than Lord Caesar, and their choice to follow Him was wise. This is a foretaste of the promise in Philippians 2:9-11, when every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus—not Caesar—is Lord.

Until then, they could persevere in the gospel, in unity and humility and joy, knowing that they had the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ to sustain and motivate them.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
As we conclude our study of Philippians today, spend time praising God for His power that penetrates strongholds of opposition to the gospel. Thank Him for His grace that sustains and motivates our Christian journey. Ask Him to strengthen the church in true unity, joy, and humility, and to refresh our identity as saints of God. May we keep our focus on our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Hosea 1:1-9
The land is guilty of the vilest adultery in departing from the Lord. - Hosea 1:2
TODAY IN THE WORD
Israel was divided. The southern kingdom of Judah was ruled by the descendants of David, according to God's covenant with him (2 Sam. 7:16). But the northern kingdom of Israel was characterized by assassinations and vicious takeovers, each king more wicked than the last. The house of Jehu, mentioned in verse 4 of today's passage, was actually the northern kingdom's longest reigning family. After eradicating the descendants of Ahab, Jehu received a promise from the Lord that four generations of his descendants would take the throne (2 Kings 10:30).

In this time of relative peace and prosperity (and rampant wickedness) Hosea ministered as a prophet to Israel (v. 1). But as the rule of Jeroboam II came to a close, the house of Jehu and the northern kingdom of Israel met a rapid and bloody decline (v. 5, cf. 2 Kings 15:10-12). Five of Israel's last six kings were assassinated or killed, a string of violence that culminated in Assyrian captivity. Hosea was the last prophet this nation would ever hear. It would take a shocking wake-up call to move this wayward nation to repentance. God delivered the shock through Hosea and his marriage to a prostitute named Gomer. Scholars aren't sure whether Gomer was a prostitute when Hosea married her, but the text clearly states that his marriage to an unfaithful wife was divinely appointed (v. 2). The Bible also points to the likelihood that the second and third children born to Gomer were not Hosea's children at all (vv. 2, 6, 8 ). Only verse 3 specifically mentions Hosea as the father of Gomer's first child.

Gomer's adultery and the names of her children (“not loved” and “not my people”) reveal the depth of Israel's apostasy. Hosea's steadfast faithfulness and obedience depict the depth of God's love; despite His just anger, God did not abandon Israel, as we'll see tomorrow. But His love is not soft or sentimental, for the overriding message of Hosea is extreme judgment for extreme disobedience. Israel's wickedness was despicable in God's eyes.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
In light of today's passage, we need to ask an important question: do we worship anyone or anything other than the one true God? Think in terms of the marriage illustration. Is your heart dedicated to God alone? Does money, control, entertainment, or pleasure compete for your affection? This month we will explore Israel's past. We'll also see that idols like theirs still tempt us to divert our worship away from God. Affirm your commitment to God today and be prepared to surrender anything that draws you away from Him.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Hosea 1:10-2:1
You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. - Galatians 3:26
TODAY IN THE WORD
On Christmas Day 1989, Leonard Bernstein conducted a concert in Berlin to celebrate the dismantling of the Berlin Wall. In tribute to the spirit of unity, Bernstein assembled an orchestra and chorus that included members from East and West Germany, the Soviet Union, France, and the United States. They performed Beethoven's Ninth Symphony with lyrics modified to suit the occasion: “Ode to Joy” was changed to “Ode to Freedom.”

Hosea pointed ahead to a similar celebration of unity that had much grander importance. Using a slight change to the names of his children (2:1), Hosea was predicting the restoration of Israel and Judah under the reign of Messiah! The tone of these two verses contrasts sharply with the beginning of the chapter. Hosea transitioned from recording God's judgment against Israel's infidelity to promising that their descendants would be called “sons of the living God” (v. 10). The phrase “sons of God” or “children of God” is extremely rare in the Old Testament. It is used primarily to describe angels (e.g., Job 1:6). The only other Old Testament reference to humans as God's children comes in Deuteronomy 14:1 when Moses explained the importance of remaining pure. How fascinating that God would reserve such a title for a people so unfaithful!

Hosea also alluded to God's promises to Abraham of both a large number of descendants and their control of the land (Gen. 22:17). Those promises were made immediately following Abraham's dramatic display of faith in his willingness to sacrifice his only son, Isaac. God was reminding His people of an age-old promise that could not be undone. It was as if Hosea was reading to Israel the vows that Abraham had originally exchanged with God.

After looking back at God's promise, Hosea cast his eyes forward to the fulfillment of that promise, including the prediction of a leader who would bring Israel back under one throne. Because of God's rich mercy, the land and the people would be redeemed!
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Being called God's child is no small honor. It is a distinction we do not deserve. Take a moment today to thank God for adopting you into His family and for welcoming you into a loving relationship with Him despite so much unfaithfulness. How amazing that the same Messiah who will reign in glory once and for all over His people is the same Redeemer who humbly died on the cross to pay the penalty for all of our sins! May this truth encourage you to honor Him.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Hosea 2:2-7
Our fathers were unfaithful; they did evil in the eyes of the Lord our God and forsook him. - 2 Chronicles 29:6
TODAY IN THE WORD
Song of Solomon (or Song of Songs) is unique in the canon of Scripture. The language paints a poetic picture of longing and love leading to a faithful marriage relationship, but for centuries readers have probed the book for an additional meaning. Though this love poem primarily celebrates human love, it also shines as an image of God's love for His people (cf. Eph. 5:21-33).

The book of Hosea offers a reverse image of that scenario. On the surface, the language of chapter 2 is conveyed in strictly human terms. But in contrast to Song of Solomon's illustrations of godly love and devotion, the prophet described Gomer's adultery as an overt depiction of Israel's unfaithfulness toward God. The chastisement Hosea directed toward Gomer and her children applied equally to the people of Israel and their descendants. Gomer's children likely belonged to other men, paralleled by the fact that Israel's children were being trained in their parents' pagan practices (v. 4).

Gomer had turned to other lovers (and perhaps served as a prostitute in a pagan temple) for food, clothes, and luxuries instead of depending on Hosea to provide (v. 5). He was prepared to punish his wife's infidelity by exposing her sin (v. 3) and making it difficult for her to repeat her adulterous pursuits (v. 6). On a national scale, God was preparing to punish Israel's worship of other gods by dethroning her kings and casting the people into Assyrian captivity.

The motivation behind this punishment was not simply wrath or revenge. The underlying purpose was to cause the offending parties to see the futility of their sin (v. 7). As we will study tomorrow, Hosea was a strong provider for Gomer, just as God offered Israel anything a nation could hope for. From a strictly practical standpoint, unfaithfulness didn't pay off. The allure of marital adultery and false gods was a mirage. When the penalty for their behavior finally struck, Gomer and Israel would see how foolish their choices had really been.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Many worldly choices seem appealing but ultimately prove unrewarding. We tend to pursue foolish habits and selfish ambitions even after it's too late to avoid negative consequences. Believers often buy into the fairy-tale mentality: if you really believe in your dreams, they'll come true! But Hosea makes it clear that if the desires of our heart don't line up with the Word of God, they will disappoint us whether or not they materialize. Instead of following your dreams, seek God's kingdom and see how He provides (Matt. 6:33)!

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Hosea 2:8-13
They . . . worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator. - Romans 1:25
TODAY IN THE WORD
In April 2008, the antiques world was rocked by allegations that John Hobbs, a leading dealer in London, had been selling reproductions as original antiques. Dennis Buggins, who worked as Hobbs's restorer for over two decades, produced evidence that he had created furniture that Hobbs then sold to antique buyers. For instance, Buggins made one piece valued at $55,000, which Hobbs then listed as an antique commode for $736,000 in his gallery.

People are outraged when they realize an “artist” takes credit for someone else's work, or when the value of something is knowingly misrepresented. But throughout human history, people have credited the wrong “gods” for works they didn't do. Continuing the vivid parallel between Gomer's adultery and Israel's apostasy, Hosea revealed details of God's judgment against His people for giving credit where credit was by no means due.

Israel worshiped multiple false gods during their history, but Baal had been an object of their attention since their entry into Canaan (cf. Num. 25:1-3). Baal was reputed to have power over agricultural forces like animals, the land, and crops. Food and textiles produced in an agrarian society would have been considered part of the fruit of Baal's power. The fulfillment of Hosea's prophecy would expose Baal as a phony, stripping away the rewards the people had attributed to Baal (v. 9) and putting an end to the celebration carried on under false pretenses (v. 11). Just as Hosea was Gomer's true provider, God had always been the one and only source of Israel's sustenance, even though they didn't recognize and honor Him (v. 8 ).

Hosea used many metaphors to illustrate Israel's depravity. He painted word pictures of marriage, farming, baking, weaving, celebrating, and other aspects of life that Israel attributed to false gods. By doing so, he revealed the folly of giving God's praises to anyone but Him, a truth made more painful when Israel's livelihood was taken away by their true provider.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
What ancient cultures credited to false gods our society today attributes to science. We live in a world where everything—the weather, our health, our behavior, and even the existence of life itself—is considered a natural product of random scientific processes. But giving credit to science is no less foolish than bowing down to a stick. Science is really just the calculated observation of God's unwavering power at work all around us. Praise Him, our Creator and Sustainer, for all His wondrous works!

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Hosea 2:14-23
I will betroth you in faithfulness, and you will acknowledge the Lord. - Hosea 2:20
TODAY IN THE WORD
Victor Hugo's novel Les Miserables is a portrait of grace, forgiveness, and redemption, illustrated by the story of Fantine. She lives and dies in squalor as her daughter, Cosette, is raised by strangers. But Cosette is ultimately saved by compassion, courage, and sacrifice that turn the illegitimate daughter of a prostitute into a beautifully happy bride.

Hosea prophesied that Israel was destined for a similar transformation from harlotry to glory, from devastation to peace. The prophecy in today's passage is a poetic blend of comparisons and contrasts.

Hosea's prediction for Israel's future greatly resembled Israel's past. God promised to call Israel into the wilderness and then present her with lush vineyards, just as He had done when Israel left Egypt and migrated to the doorstep of Canaan's extravagant natural resources (cf. Ex. 3:17; 13:5). The main difference would be that faithfulness would no longer be one-sided in the relationship between God and Israel. The list of characteristics in verses 19 and 20 create a new image of a loving marriage, nothing like the grumbling inconsistency of Israel's history. Indeed, all creation would be included in the redemption from chaos and unrest to harmony and love (vv. 18, 21, 22).

Hosea used poetic wordplays to describe this restoration of love. The valley of Achor was the “valley of trouble” where Achan's selfishness brought dishonor and judgment (cf. Josh. 7:26), but Hosea called it “a door of hope” (v. 15). The word translated “master” in verse 16 was actually the Hebrew word, baal. This differentiated God's love from that of His pagan counterpart—the relationship between God and His people would be more like husband to bride than master to slave.

Finally, Hosea used the names of all three of his children to illustrate how God's merciful love would restore His people to a love unlike anything they had ever experienced or deserved. Israel would sincerely recognize God as their one and only Lord.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Even though Hosea is primarily a book about judgment against Israel, it's also the message of God's abundant love. Tomorrow we will study another passage about Israel's redemption, and remember that God is and always has been a God of extreme compassion and mercy. Accounts of God's wrath follow warning upon warning, with innumerable chances for repentance. As sinners, we should remember our Lord's justice and abounding mercy before we rush to proclaim self-righteous judgment upon others.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Hosea 3:1-5
The people of Israel and the people of Judah together will go in tears to seek the Lord their God. - Jeremiah 50:4
TODAY IN THE WORD
When Joseph learned of Mary's pregnancy, his initial reaction was to divorce her privately. According to Jewish law, betrothal was considered as legally binding as marriage, even before the wedding. A divorce would have been required to dissolve the union, and it was justified in the case of infidelity. The Gospel of Matthew includes this snapshot from Joseph's life along with the angel's revelation of the divine mystery, which began with the greeting, “Joseph, son of David” (Matt. 1:20). When divorce would have been expected, God instead brought the promise of salvation through a holy King.

Today's reading is another example of a sort of mirror image within Scripture, where we see two pictures with similar features arranged in reverse. Mary and Gomer were direct opposites. Mary was faithful and deserved Joseph's love. Gomer was adulterous and deserved divorce. Mary abstained from sexual relations with her husband as a fulfillment of prophecy. Gomer was prohibited from sex as a punishment of her sin. Joseph was directed to take Mary as his wife because she was not guilty. Hosea was told to love Gomer despite her guilt. Gomer was the example of Israel's unfaithfulness. Mary gave birth to Israel's perfect Redeemer and King.

Some cultural references in this chapter in Hosea are potentially confusing. Verse 1 is not a condemnation of raisin cakes in general, but an indictment of Israel's love for sacrificing such cakes to pagan idols, which God compared to Gomer's propensity for showing her love to other men. In verse 2, Hosea said that he bought his wife for a price comparable to the Old Testament value of a slave or a female dedicated to the service of God (cf. Ex. 21:32; Lev. 27:4). He may have purchased her from a pagan temple where she served as a prostitute.

Israel would be pulled from comfortable lives of pagan worship mixed with nominal allegiance to God. After the Assyrians took them captive, Israel would long for the one and only good God (v. 5).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
It's encouraging to know that we serve a compassionate, forgiving God. But it's important to remember the cost of sin and the price of forgiveness. Thousands of years separate Hosea's prophesied judgment and the fulfillment of Israel's complete restoration. Even though God's faithfulness to forgive is certain, we still suffer the effects of our sinful choices. Let us show love and gratitude for God's mercy by honoring His commands.