THE PROPHET IS A WATCHMAN

Passage: Hosea 9:1~17  

Key verse: 8

1. The prophet is considered a fool (1-9)

When the people of Ephraim prostituted themselves to idols, their superficial offerings and festivals could not please God. God sent prophets to his people to be like watchmen, alerting them of the spiritual danger of their sins. But Ephraim was so far gone in sin that they considered prophets as fools and maniacs. The calling of being a prophet became very dangerous; the prophets met with hostility from their people, and even from the priests.

2. Their glory will fly away (10-17)

When God first called Israel out of Egypt, it was like finding grapes in the desert, because the people had such great spiritual potential. But Israel turned to Baal and became as vile as what she worshiped. So God would drive them out of his house. They would become restless wanderers among the nations, like Cain.



Prayer: Father, help me to me a spiritual watchman for your people and for our times, and be willing to suffer misunderstanding for your sake.

One Word: A spiritual watchman