The last 12 books of the New Testament are not
“Minor” because of content, but because of the short length of the writings.
They could also be called, The Twelve Voices of Truth”. All the Minor Prophets
took a stand on the truth of God, but that is about all they had in common.
They did not act or write as a group. Over 300 years passed from the first to
the last writings. Some of the prophets were contemporaries but they gave no
indication that they knew one another. God knew them and they were obedient to
His calling on their lives. The first of the twelve books is Hosea.
Hosea is not the oldest
writing of the Minor Prophets but sets the tone for the prophet’s messages to
come. It has to do with unfaithfulness.
It answers the questions: What happens
between a believer when they are unfaithful and the Lord? What effect does
unfaithfulness have on the believer’s future with God? Hosea’s name means
“Salvation or Deliverance”. He lived in
the northern kingdom of Israel. His message of God’s truth became very real in
his personal life. Learning God’s response to unfaithfulness can change your
life. Remember: There is Nothing Minor
about Grace - Hosea – God’s Love Never Fails
The key verse throughout our study comes from
a New Testament book written to Israel. Let us then approach God’s throne
of grace with confidence. So that we may receive mercy and find grace
to help us in our time of need. - Hebrews 4:16
In the first three chapters
we see God telling Hosea to marry a prostitute to illustrate the way God’s
people had been untrue to Him. Then she goes back to her lifestyle and Hosea
takes her back. His love for her demonstrates God’s never failing love for His
people. We also will see the cycle that Israel (and humanity) continues to
make: Sin – Judgment – Salvation. What part of the cycle do you find yourself at today?
