Embracing the Duality of God's Mercy
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, everyone. Today, we are diving into Hosea 6:1, a passage that has deeply resonated with me, especially during the tumultuous times of COVID. The prophets, including Hosea, serve as a wake-up call, urging us to correct our course. Hosea, a prophet in the northern kingdom under the evil King Jeroboam, witnessed Israel's prosperity despite their moral decay. They had lost their way, distracted by their wealth and culture, failing to be the light unto the nations that God called them to be.
God instructed Hosea to marry Gomer, a woman who repeatedly betrayed him, symbolizing Israel's unfaithfulness to God. Hosea's personal anguish mirrored God's heartbreak over Israel's infidelity. Hosea 6:1 calls us to return to the Lord, acknowledging that He has torn us so that He may heal us. This duality of God's mercy—both painful and restorative—is a recurring theme in the Bible.
I shared a personal story about my mother, who grew up in a Christian home but faced severe abuse and trauma. Despite her deep wounds, she found solace and redemption in her relationship with God. Her journey mirrors the message of Hosea: God allows us to be broken so that He can heal us. My mother, despite her flaws and past mistakes, found an abiding love with her Heavenly Father, demonstrating that God's mercy is both painful and healing.
We often prefer the comforting aspects of God's mercy, but true growth comes from embracing both the pain and the healing. This duality is essential for our spiritual development. We need to listen more than we lecture, repent more than we judge, and seek God more than we seek worldly comforts. Jesus exemplified this by listening to those who would eventually betray Him and by enduring suffering for our sake.
Revival begins with personal repentance. The Great Awakening and recent events like the Asbury revival were sparked by individuals humbling themselves before God. We need to pray more than we post, seek God more than news updates, and let our hearts break for the world's suffering. True revival starts in our hearts and leads to national unity.
God's mercy is vast and often beyond our understanding. Like an orthopedic surgeon who must re-break a bone to heal it properly, God sometimes allows us to be broken to bring about true healing. This painful mercy is a testament to His jealousy for us, His bride. He desires an intimate relationship with us, not just superficial knowledge.
The story of the prodigal son illustrates this beautifully. The son, seeking fulfillment in worldly pleasures, eventually realizes that true peace and joy are found in returning to his father. This is the essence of Hosea's message: we need to return to the Lord, acknowledging our sins and seeking His forgiveness.
In Philippians 4:7-11, Paul speaks of considering everything a loss compared to the surpassing worth of knowing Christ. This intimate knowledge, or "Yadah," is what God desires from us. It's not about head knowledge but about a deep, transformative relationship. We must die to our old selves and embrace the new life in Christ, experiencing both the pain and the joy of His mercy.
God's ultimate purpose is to heal and restore us. The entire narrative of the Bible is about knowing God intimately. We are called to return to Him, to embrace the duality of His mercy, and to live in a way that reflects His love and grace. This is the message of Hosea, and it is a call to each of us to come home to the Lord.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Duality of God's Mercy: God's mercy is both painful and restorative. We often seek only the comforting aspects, but true spiritual growth comes from embracing both the pain and the healing. This duality is essential for our development, as it teaches us to rely on God in all circumstances. [23:59]
2. Personal Repentance Leads to Revival: True revival begins with personal repentance. Historical revivals, like the Great Awakening, were sparked by individuals humbling themselves before God. We need to pray more than we post and seek God more than worldly comforts. This personal transformation can lead to national unity and spiritual renewal. [20:12]
3. God's Painful Mercy: Like an orthopedic surgeon who must re-break a bone to heal it properly, God sometimes allows us to be broken to bring about true healing. This painful mercy is a testament to His jealousy for us, His bride. He desires an intimate relationship with us, not just superficial knowledge. [26:06]
4. The Call to Return to the Lord: Hosea's message is a call for us to return to the Lord, acknowledging our sins and seeking His forgiveness. The story of the prodigal son illustrates this beautifully, showing that true peace and joy are found in returning to our Heavenly Father. [17:35]
5. Intimate Knowledge of God (Yadah): God's ultimate purpose is for us to know Him intimately. This "Yadah" is not about head knowledge but about a deep, transformative relationship. We must die to our old selves and embrace the new life in Christ, experiencing both the pain and the joy of His mercy. [33:22]
### Youtube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:24] - Introduction to Hosea
[02:49] - Hosea's Marriage to Gomer
[04:57] - Personal Story: My Mother's Journey
[08:11] - The Call to Return Home
[09:27] - Understanding Yadah
[12:21] - What Does It Mean to Know God?
[16:37] - The Prodigal Son
[17:35] - Corporate Declaration and Personal Responsibility
[19:38] - Revival and Repentance
[22:52] - Listening More Than Lecturing
[23:59] - The Duality of God's Mercy
[26:06] - God's Painful Mercy
[29:06] - Embracing the Fracturing
[32:30] - Philippians 4:7-11
[33:22] - Intimate Knowledge of God (Yadah)
[36:09] - Jesus' Sacrifice and Healing
[38:43] - My Mother's Redemption
[41:11] - Conclusion and Call to Return to the Lord
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Hosea 6:1 - "Come, let us return to the Lord; for he has torn us, that he may heal us; he has struck us down, and he will bind us up."
2. Philippians 4:7-11 - "But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith. I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead."
### Observation Questions
1. What does Hosea 6:1 suggest about the relationship between being "torn" and being "healed"? ([02:49])
2. How does the story of Hosea's marriage to Gomer serve as a metaphor for Israel's relationship with God? ([02:49])
3. According to the sermon, what does the Hebrew word "Yadah" mean, and how does it relate to our relationship with God? ([09:27])
4. In Philippians 4:7-11, what does Paul consider as "loss" compared to the worth of knowing Christ? ([32:30])
### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the duality of God's mercy, being both painful and restorative, challenge our usual understanding of God's love? ([23:59])
2. What does the sermon suggest about the role of personal repentance in sparking revival, both historically and in contemporary times? ([20:12])
3. How does the story of the prodigal son illustrate the concept of returning to the Lord and finding true peace and joy? ([16:37])
4. What does it mean to have an "intimate knowledge" of God, as described in the sermon and in Philippians 4:7-11? ([33:22])
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's "painful mercy." How did it lead to healing and growth in your life? ([23:59])
2. The sermon emphasizes the importance of personal repentance for revival. What specific areas in your life do you feel need repentance, and how can you start that process? ([20:12])
3. How can you practice "Yadah" in your daily life, moving beyond just knowing about God to truly knowing Him intimately? ([09:27])
4. In what ways have you been distracted by worldly comforts, and how can you refocus on seeking God more earnestly? ([20:12])
5. The sermon mentions the need to "pray more than we post" and "seek God more than news updates." What practical steps can you take this week to prioritize prayer and seeking God over other distractions? ([21:21])
6. How can you embrace both the pain and the joy of God's mercy in your current circumstances? ([23:59])
7. Reflect on the story of the prodigal son. Is there an area in your life where you need to "return to the Lord"? What steps can you take to make that return? ([16:37])
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing the Duality of God's Mercy
God's mercy is both comforting and challenging. Often, we seek only the soothing aspects of His mercy, but true spiritual growth comes from embracing both the pain and the healing. This duality is essential for our development, as it teaches us to rely on God in all circumstances. Just as Hosea's personal anguish mirrored God's heartbreak over Israel's infidelity, our own struggles can bring us closer to understanding His profound love and mercy. We must learn to accept the painful aspects of God's mercy, knowing that they are part of His plan to heal and restore us. [23:59]
Hosea 6:1 (ESV): "Come, let us return to the Lord; for he has torn us, that he may heal us; he has struck us down, and he will bind us up."
Reflection: Think of a recent painful experience in your life. How can you see God's hand in both the pain and the healing process? Can you trust Him to use this experience for your spiritual growth?
Day 2: Personal Repentance Leads to Revival
True revival begins with personal repentance. Historical revivals, like the Great Awakening, were sparked by individuals humbling themselves before God. We need to pray more than we post and seek God more than worldly comforts. This personal transformation can lead to national unity and spiritual renewal. When we humble ourselves and repent, we open the door for God to work powerfully in our lives and communities. Revival is not just a corporate event but a personal journey that starts with each of us. [20:12]
2 Chronicles 7:14 (ESV): "If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to repent and seek God's forgiveness? How can you take a step towards personal revival today?
Day 3: God's Painful Mercy
Like an orthopedic surgeon who must re-break a bone to heal it properly, God sometimes allows us to be broken to bring about true healing. This painful mercy is a testament to His jealousy for us, His bride. He desires an intimate relationship with us, not just superficial knowledge. Understanding this can help us trust God even in our most challenging times, knowing that His ultimate goal is our healing and restoration. [26:06]
Hebrews 12:11 (ESV): "For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it."
Reflection: Reflect on a time when you felt broken or disciplined by God. How did that experience lead to healing or growth in your life? How can you embrace God's painful mercy today?
Day 4: The Call to Return to the Lord
Hosea's message is a call for us to return to the Lord, acknowledging our sins and seeking His forgiveness. The story of the prodigal son illustrates this beautifully, showing that true peace and joy are found in returning to our Heavenly Father. We often stray, seeking fulfillment in worldly pleasures, but true contentment is found in our relationship with God. Returning to Him requires humility and repentance, but it leads to a deeper, more fulfilling relationship with our Creator. [17:35]
Joel 2:13 (ESV): "And rend your hearts and not your garments. Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love; and he relents over disaster."
Reflection: Is there an area of your life where you have strayed from God? What steps can you take today to return to Him and seek His forgiveness?
Day 5: Intimate Knowledge of God (Yadah)
God's ultimate purpose is for us to know Him intimately. This "Yadah" is not about head knowledge but about a deep, transformative relationship. We must die to our old selves and embrace the new life in Christ, experiencing both the pain and the joy of His mercy. Paul speaks of considering everything a loss compared to the surpassing worth of knowing Christ. This intimate knowledge transforms us and aligns our lives with God's will. [33:22]
Jeremiah 9:23-24 (ESV): "Thus says the Lord: 'Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the Lord.'"
Reflection: How can you deepen your intimate knowledge of God today? What practical steps can you take to move beyond head knowledge to a transformative relationship with Him?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "We need to pray more than we post. Posting's so easy. I bet you if you start praying, you'll stop posting as much. Lord's gonna be like, mm-mm, see that big log in your eye? Yeah. Seek God more than we seek news updates. Some of you are being proselytized to, every single day, by the wrong gospel. Actually, most of what you're getting is not gospel. It's just really, really, really, really bad news that's distracting you from a good God." [22:12]
2. "What if we started listening more than we lecture? What if we started repenting more than we judge? I tell you, I've been so... Jesus' prayer, Father, forgive us. As we forgive others. There's a give and take there that's like pretty overwhelming. That's how we knew we're moving back to the heart of the Lord because then he transitions into this thing that we're like, what do I do with this? For he has torn us, that he may heal us. He has struck us down, that he will bind us up." [23:15]
3. "We all got problems and we need to come and return to the Lord. I love this quote. Oh, by the way, during that time, during the Great Awakening, what happened as a result of people personally repenting is we got national unity because it was no longer about them. It was about me and my sin. David says this in Psalms 51, against you and you alone have I sinned, oh God. Wait a second. Didn't you murder somebody, David? What about that family? Oh, no, no, no. No, I sinned against God. And as a result of that, I crushed that family. Our first sin is against God, first and foremost. And we need to come home. We need to return to the Lord." [20:43]
4. "I want her to stop running after all these men who just keep stealing from her. I want her to find a peace that passes all understanding in the union of our marriage. And yet she keeps running away. You can feel it. You see this with the prodigal son who runs away from the intimacy with the father. All that the father has for him, he runs away from to squander all the wealth on what? Fulfilling this thing inside of him that he cannot figure out. And he's assuming, presuming, presuming, presuming, presuming, that if I could just go live my best life and me do me in my truth and living my truth out, that I'll fulfill this hole inside of my soul. And where do we find him in a pig pen?" [16:37]
5. "We love you so much. We do not deserve your grace. We do not deserve your grace and your mercy. We do not deserve your sacrifice. We do not deserve your commitment. When we ran away, when we left you, when we abandoned you, when we did not follow after you, and we did our own thing, you pursued us. Jesus, you pursued us. Teach us to relent. Spirit of God, would your conviction over our hearts be so human that we would repent and return home, return to you, return to intimacy? Thank you. Thank you. God, you've been so patient with us in our rebellion, and you are so gracious in our return. Teach your church to come back home so that we can continue to be like a city on a hill, proclaiming your love and your goodness to the world for your glory and your honor in the name of the Father, son, and spirit." [41:48]
### Quotes for Members
1. "And he will wound you, but he will also heal you. And here's what I found comfort in. At least he's in charge of both, right? I'd rather have him be in charge of the fracturing than some cruel thing. But he's in charge of both. And I find comfort that he will never leave me or forsake me and that he's a good father that always has my best in mind. And receive the painful mercy of God and so you can receive the healing that he wants to bring to you. Because the reality is, is we want resurrection power without being crucified with Christ. We want resurrection power without being crucified with Christ. Does that make sense? We need the fracturing. We need death in order to find the life. This is what he's saying to Israel." [29:06]
2. "I want all of it. If I get Jesus, I want it all. I want all and I'll give all away in order to experience the intimacy. This is what Hosea is declaring over the people through God. Don't you wanna know him? Don't you just wanna know him intimately as opposed to just knowing him? No. We're watching a society completely shrivel up and inebriate themselves with anything else that can make them avoid the pains and the hurts in their life. God is using that to draw you in. He wants to be your comfort. He wants to be your care. Paul is saying, I died to popularity. I died to political alignment. I died to prejudice polarity. I died to promiscuity. I died to potential. I died to prosperity. I died to power. I died to pride. And I'm raised to life with Christ. He's like, I came home to Yadah to know Christ, to know him." [34:30]
3. "So deep in your soul, intimately, I want you to know me. But the question then comes, what does it mean to me? To Yadah, what does it mean to know the Lord? Is it just about attending a church service? So again, grateful that you are here, especially on a holiday weekend. So glad you're here. It's more than that. Is it just reading your Bible? I meet with people all the time. Well, I'm reading my Bible. Is that intimacy? Well, it's good, but it's like reading a love letter, but never having a relationship with the one who wrote it. But it's good to read the Bible, it really is. Is it about being on the good side of the morality scale? See, I helped some old people across the street. I tipped extra 21%. Can you see that? I actually tithe this month, you know what I'm saying? Right? So I'm on that side of the scale. Is that what it means to know God? Is it about being a part of the right party? As long as I'm blue or red, then God is pleased with me and I have intimacy with him. No, knowing God is so much deeper. It is so much deeper. It's about union, it's about intimacy and God's ultimate purpose is to heal and restore. The Bible, the whole narrative of scripture is a Yadah narrative. It's a knowing you narrative that has less to do with head information, but life transformation. This is what he wants from you. He wants relationship with you and I. He doesn't want you just like, I know a lot about my wife, but if I never moved to intimacy, what is it? I just know a bunch of facts. The relationship is the beautiful part. And this is what Hosea through God is trying to say, this is what I want with you. This is what I desire for you." [12:21]
4. "And he has healed us. He has healed us. Through his death and his resurrection on the cross. Why would he do this? Because he's jealous for you. And he wants you to know him. All of life is all for Jesus. All of life is all for Jesus. Those are the right lenses to see this life. When I turned 40, I had to start wearing glasses. And these, they call them transition lenses, okay? What does that that't what do? That's a fancy term for bifocal Okay that's like the new hit version of couple their transitions. No, you're old okay. So, they're by files. They're bifocals like down here, I can see real great, but if I go here not so good right? I can see you all really good up here right? But not so much there. You see, I put these on so I can see things clearly. and when you put on Christ, you start to see things clearly. You start to realize that as far as politics and government is concerned, that he's the king. That's what happens when you put on Jesus. Health, your health and your wholeness, when you put on Jesus, you start to realize he's the great physician. Your future, he's your hope. He's your hope. Hey, Christians, what are we so freaked out about? We die, we win. We live, we win. What are we freaked out about? What are we so nervous about? He wins. We win. That's what we're promised. That's our hope. In this world, you'll suffer, which by the way is a promise, but take heart. I've overcome the world. Why? Because he loves us. He's our joy. He's our fulfillment. So what do we do? 1 John 1, 9, if we confess our sins, he's faithful and just to forgive us." [36:09]
5. "And this is what the Lord is trying to proclaim to all of you here this morning. I want more. I don't want you to just know about me. I want you to Yadah. And he will wound you, but he will also heal you. And here's what I found comfort in. At least he's in charge of both, right? I'd rather have him be in charge of the fracturing than some cruel thing. But he's in charge of both. And I find comfort that he will never leave me or forsake me and that he's a good father that always has my best in mind. And receive the painful mercy of God and so you can receive the healing that he wants to bring to you. Because the reality is, is we want resurrection power without being crucified with Christ. We want resurrection power without being crucified with Christ. Does that make sense? We need the fracturing. We need death in order to find the life. This is what he's saying to Israel." [29:06]
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