What are some key themes in the Gospel of John? What can we learn?

The book of Hosea began with God disowning His people because of their spiritual adultery (1:2, 9). Now, it concludes with God promising to re-own His people with healing and love if they repent (14:1-4). The final chapter of Hosea strikingly mentions many plants while describing a repentant Israel – for example, the lily and the Lebanon tree. Verse 5 mentions that Israel will “grow like the lily”. Lilies are known for their beauty; even Jesus highlights this by saying that they’re far more beautiful than Solomon’s royal robes (Matthew 6:28-29)! The Bible also mentions of how lilies can grow in potentially harsh environments, such as valleys and thorns (Song of Solomon 2:1-2). In a spiritual sense, to grow like a lily means to grow increasingly beautiful in our spiritual character, despite spiritually harsh environments; and Christ is our model for spiritual beauty, i.e. perfection (Ephesians 2:13). Besides radiating the beautiful nature of Christ, may we, like lilies which are also fragrant, diffuse His fragrance to the people around us in all circumstances (2 Corinthians 2:14-16). Verses 5 to 7 mention that Israel shall “lengthen his roots” and emit a “fragrance (or scent) like Lebanon”. Lebanon trees are known for their height, which ranges between 30 to 50 metres tall. They can grow this tall because of their roots which are deep and extensive. Their roots can grow as deep as 3 metres into the soil, while spreading out as wide as 30 metres away from the tree’s trunk. Lebanon trees are also known for their aroma, not only in the wine they produce (verse 7) but also in their wood. In ancient times, Lebanon wood was prized for its quality and often used in the construction of magnificent buildings, such as Solomon’s temple (2 Chronicles 2:8-9). How can we be vessels of honour that are useful to our Master for every good work (2 Timothy 2:21)? By being deeply rooted in His words (Colossians 2:7): fully understanding, trusting, and obeying His words in every aspect of our lives. May we, like Lebanon trees, take root downward, so that we can bear good spiritual fruits upward (Isaiah 37:31). The green cypress tree is mentioned in verse 8. However, this time, it refers to God, as He tells Israel: “I am like a green cypress tree; your fruit is found in Me.” Here, God stresses His dependability. The idols and allies which Israel once relied on could not save them from trouble (Hosea 14:3a). God, on the other hand, is the source of Israel’s “fruit” – Israel’s successes and failures are all in His hand, and God dispenses these according to Israel’s obedience or rebellion (verse 9b). Furthermore, the green cypress tree is known for its longevity, surviving up to several centuries. In ancient times, the tree was often perceived as a symbol of immortality, especially in the Middle East and Mediterranean regions where Israel, Egypt and Assyria were located. Our immortal and self-existent God far outlives the green cypress tree, man-made idols, and human kingdoms. Therefore, He is the only One we should depend on when facing troubles. May we learn to be loyal to our one true God, loving and leaning only on Him. Amen.

Is God the only Lord and Saviour of your life?

"For the ways of man are before the eyes of the Lord, And He ponders all his paths. His own iniquities entrap the wicked man, And he is caught in the cords of his sin. He shall die for lack of instruction, And in the greatness of his folly he shall go astray." Aside from the loss of salvation, another of my greatest fears is memory loss. When I’ve forgotten something or seem to have misplaced something, regardless of the degree of significance, my entire being freezes up and quickly succumbs to panic and anxiety. In the midst of persuading myself to calm down, my mind naturally wanders off to God, seeking comfort and reassurance in the fact that God knows, never forgets, and is in control; He will allow me to recall thoughts and find things most necessary and in the timeliest manner. Similarly, we see God recounting through Hosea some of the earliest Israelite histories that the present-day Israelites (at the time of Hosea) should clearly commit to memory, learn and move forward from. These histories should not simply be left in the past and counterproductively repeated in the future. As modern-day followers of God, we learn not to follow in the Israelites’ footsteps. Yet, try as we might, do we not also find ourselves stuck in the same old sins? Do we not remember to change for a moment, then forget or overlook this commitment in the next? Sooner than any of us expects, we will have to stand before God, made fully accountable for our past and sin. While it is still called ‘Today’, should we not recount the error of our ways, turn away from them, lest it is too late, and God Himself turns away? “… I will put My laws in their mind and write them on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people. None of them shall teach his neighbour, and none his brother, saying, ‘Know the Lord,’ for all shall know Me, from the least of them to the greatest of them. For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more.” Just as nothing escapes the eyes and mind of our LORD, may each breath we take be a remembrance unto Him.

Dive into the tender, parental love of God revealed in Hosea 11's imagery.

Hosea Chapter 10 has two agriculture-related metaphors. What do these metaphors have to do with us today?

Are we at a risk of losing the blessings that we have received from God?

What does it mean to know God? As we go about our daily lives, have we inadvertently left God behind?