𝒯𝑜𝓅𝒾𝒸: "Drop the Charges"

𝐹𝓇𝒾𝒹𝒶𝓎'𝓈 𝒫𝓇𝒶𝓎𝑒𝓇: 𝟣𝟤/𝟣𝟪/𝟤𝟢𝟤𝟢

𝒮𝒸𝓇𝒾𝓅𝓉𝓊𝓇𝑒: Hosea 4:1

𝒯𝑜𝓅𝒾𝒸: "What is Your Crime"?

Defendant(s): The People of Israel Prosecutor: Hosea the Prophet Judge: The Lord God Almighty

Opening Argument:

In the Book of Hosea, the Prophet is preaching against Great abominations and extreme political and spiritual decline. The Israelites have become unfaithful to their covenant with God. When in trouble, Israel did not run to God. Instead, they sought earthly protection through alliances with Egypt and Assyria. Hosea describes how Israel is enticed into worshiping idols, adulterous affairs, and immortality. Hosea is warning the people they are in breach of contact and is at the point of judgment.

My question for you today is, "What is Your Crime"?

Adultery? Lying? Stealing? Murder? Idolatry? Harlotry? Pride? Envy? Jealousy? Gossiping? Backsliding?

In Hosea 4:1 it reads, "Hear the word of the Lord, you Israelites, because the Lord has a charge to bring against you who live in the land: “There is no faithfulness, no love, no acknowledgment of God in the land.”

Hosea presents the following felonious charges against Israel to the court of God via Bench Trial:

Charge #1: The People have Lied and Lacks Mercy. (Hosea 4:1)

Charge #2: The People have Killed, Stealed, Committed Adultery with countless bloodshed. (Hosea 4:2)

The evidence is presented in Hosea Chapters 1-3. And the Lord is not pleased. The Lord says he has been rejected. He has been forgotten. His knowledge and truth have been declined. The People have offered sacrifices not according to (Mosaic Law). The daughters commit Harlotry and the Mothers commit Adultery. Israel is stubborn and the people are Rebellious! (Hosea 4:11-18).

Verdict: The Lord returns the Verdict and convicts the People of Israel. But wait, there's a twist!

Sentence: The Israelites will have a period of punishment, but there is a point of breakthrough after some suffering. The Lord God Almighty said though you have sinned against "Me".... Abide by the Following Conditions and I will Exonerate all Charges as if they never took place. But this is what I need:

Condition #1: Repent and Return to Me. Condition #2: Pursue My Knowledge and I will Revive you and I will Heal you. Condition #3: Turn from Your Wicked Ways because I have chosen YOU!

Case Dismissed!

Father in the name of Jesus, we repent of our sins today. Father God, forgive us for cheating on You. Father, forgive us for beaching a promising covenant and contract with you. Father, forgive us for putting everything else before you. Father forgive us for our adulterous ways. Father we return to You oh God!!

Father We Love You and we recognize there has never been anyone like You. There is currently no one like You! And there will never be anyone like You! No one could ever love us the way You love. Father we accept, embrace, and acknowledge Your wisdom, Your Love, and Your power.

Father God, the people of Israel encountered punishment and consequences but were restored. However, for Your people and children today, You gave us the Messiah, Jesus Christ. He died for our sins. He took everything with Him on the cross.

We receive Jesus Christ into our lives Father God. We recognize Him as our risen Savior and we ask You lead us to the path of righteousness for Your namesake.

In Jesus Name, Amen?

𝐿𝑜𝓋𝑒,

𝐿𝒶𝒹𝓎 𝑀𝑜𝓃𝒾𝒸𝒶