John Mark Hicks

This section in Hosea’s last oracle begins and ends with the language of “guilt” (Hosea 13:1, 16). This functions like an inclusio or two bookends that characterize the content. Israel is guilty because they worshipped Baal and because Samaria rebelled against God. Hosea brings this message home by retelling the story of Ephraim’s demise. They […]

Hosea, as Yahweh’s prophet, takes on the role of a prosecutor. He serves the indictment against Israel in Hosea 4:1. There is no faithfulness, love, or intimacy with God in the land. The next message from Hosea (5:1-15) renders a verdict. Verdict Announced Hosea delivers the verdict to the leaders of Israel and reminds them […]

Hebrews 12:1-17 Lesson 21: Run the Race with Perseverance Hebrews 12:1-17 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer […]

Text: Psalm 118 (see this post also) The resounding refrain of this Psalm—the climactic confession of Israel—is worth repeating…over and over and over, “His steadfast love endures forever.” Psalm 118 beings and ends with this confession. It invites Israel and all those who fear Yahweh to praise the enduring love of God. It rings true throughout […]