The Jesus Bible Reading PlanSample

RANSOM AND REDEMPTION

Relentless judgment seems to be rampant throughout the pages of Hosea. But God’s love is revealed to be even more unstoppable than divine judgment when readers view this Scripture through the lens of love personified — that is, through Jesus Christ. The extensive judgment in this text is followed by rhetorical questions that point toward redemption and ransom: God seems to be asking himself, “Will I ransom my people?” and, “Will I redeem them from death?” The unfaithfulness of the people has incited extreme judgment and wrath, yet God still holds out a promise of hope (Hos 14:4 – 8).

Despite their sin, God was faithful and loving to save his people. There is no more beautiful expression of this love than when Jesus arrived on the scene hundreds of years later, leaving heaven to walk on earth with the primary purpose of ransoming his people and defeating death once and for all. Hosea 13:14 is quoted in 1 Corinthians 15:55 – 57, in what is perhaps one of the most triumphant and victorious exclamations of the finished work of Jesus: “Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting? The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” God’s people are redeemed from punishment into glorious life both now and forever.

Jesus, even though I deserve God’s wrath, you saved me anyway. Thank you for ransoming my soul and rescuing me from the grave. Amen.