MEMORY SCRIPTURE
When the LORD began to speak by Hosea, the LORD said to Hosea: “Go, take yourself a wife of harlotry and children of harlotry, for the land has committed great harlotry by departing from the LORD”.
(Hosea 1:2)
God equips those He calls, like Hosea and Joel, showing His transformative power in preparing leaders for their roles.
DEVOTIONAL BIBLE READINGS
Mon. 16: Elisha Follows Elijah (1Kgs. 19:19-20)
Tue. 17: Elisha Leaves Everything (1 Kgs. 19:21)
Wed. 18: Elisha Follows Elijah To Bethel (2 Kgs. 2:1-3)
Thur. 19: Elisha Follows Elijah To Jericho (2 Kgs. 2:4-5)
Fri. 20: Elisha Follows Elijah To the Jordan (2 Kgs. 2:6)
Sat. 21: Elisha Receives Double Anointing (2 Kgs. 2:7-15)
DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT
Obedience to divine instructions is one of the major ways by which God equips and prepares people for successful leadership.
INTRODUCTION
TEXTUAL SOURCE: Hosea 1:2-3; 2:14-3:3; 6:3; Joel 1:1-7; 2:2,4,15 3:1,18-21
We give praise and adoration to God once again for the eternal benefits He daily provides through His Word. May His name be forever exalted. Amen!
God has been graciously leading us through a specific series, titled: “God Prepares Old Testament Prophets for Leadership,” intended for boti leadership guidance and the edification of His people. In the first part of the series, we witnessed how God prepared Isaiah and Jeremiah the second part, we saw His unique preparation of Ezekiel, Daniel, and his and in companions for similar leadership roles.
This week, our focus turns to Hosea and Joel as we delve deeper into their lives. God is poised to reveal His insights to us on this matter. Are you prepared to receive His wisdom?
LESSON OUTLINE
- HOSEA’S PREPARATION
- JOEL’S PREPARATION
LESSON EXPOSITION
HOSEA’S PREPARATION (Hosea 1:2-3;2:14-3:3;6:3)
The Word of God that came to Hosea the son of Beeri, in the days of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz and Hezekiah, kings of Judah, and in the days of Jeroboam the son of Joash, king of Israel.
(1:1)
a) 1:1: God chose and equipped Hosea during a period of turmoil and idol worship, commissioning him to communicate His messages.
b) A When God instructed him to marry a harlot in order to preach against Israel’s adultery, it was a unique and challenging task but portrayed God’: ssovereignty (cf. Psa. 115:3).
c) vv. 2-9: God loaded him with the needed insights and visions to convey the divine messages with clarity and authority.
d) w.4-5,8-9: God gave Hosea’s children names to signify warning of impending judgement upon Israel. How has God been preparing you?
e) 2:14-3:3: The experiences God took him through fostered empathy in him, enhancing his ability to convey God’s message. Amidst his tumultuous marriage, Hosea gained insight into God’s enduring love and forgiveness.
f) 6:3: Hosea’s obedience shows an example of one who has been genuinely discipled, thus facilitating his growth and endurance in the spiritual journey.
JOEL’S PREPARATION (Joel 1:1-7;2:2,4,15;3:1,18-21)
The word of the LORD that came to Joel the son of Pethuel.
(1:1)
a) 1:1:Joel’s name meaning “Jehovah is God” suggests his upbringing in a home that honoured God. Added to this are his priestly references (1:9,13,14; 2:17) that indicate prior training and experience in the things of God.
b) 2:15; 3:1: Despite rebellion and idolatry in Judah and Jerusalem, Joel’s steadfast relationship with God shows his cooperation with divine preparation and preservation.
c) 1:1-3: He received divine inspiration and visions, preparing him to proclaim God’s intentions to Judah and Jerusalem, prior to Jeremiah against prevailing godlessness.
d) 1:4-7; 2:2,4: Joel, having been prepared as God’s vessel and mouthpiece, announced impending judgement greater than ever experienced. Only God’s prepared vessel can speak for Him effectively.
e) 3:18: God utilised Joel’s agricultural understanding through rigorous farming seasons, as part of his preparation for prophetic leadership roles.
f) v.20-21: Joel’s prophecy left a lasting legacy of God’s faithfulness and sovereignty, inspiring future generations to trust in God’s promises and follow His ways.
LESSONS DERIVED
- Like Hosea, trust in God’s sovereignty amid challenges, allowing Him to prepare you for His purposes through unique experiences.
- Follow Joel’s example by honouring God and seeking His guidance even in turbulent times, to fulfil His purpose for your life
QUESTIONS
- And what significance does each name of Hosea’s children have In relevance to the divine preparation of Hosea for his ministry to God’s people?
- How was Joel prepared for prophetic leadership, and what are the implications for Christians today?
