The Lord's Judgment and Love for Israel

In this episode of Arise + Abide, Curtis and Sally explore Hosea chapters 10 and 11—two striking passages that reveal both the severity of God's judgment and the depth of His enduring love. Hosea paints Israel as a once-fruitful vine whose prosperity led them away from the Lord and deeper into idolatry. Their misplaced trust in altars, idols, and military strength exposes a hardened spiritual landscape in need of breaking up and renewal.

Yet woven through the warnings is a tender reminder of God's fatherly compassion. As Hosea recounts, God taught Israel to walk, lifted the yoke from their neck, and cared for them with kindness—even as they drifted further from Him. In chapter 11, we hear God's heart break as He refuses to abandon His people completely: "How can I give you up, Israel?" Instead, He promises a future restoration, a gathering of His people when He roars like a lion calling them home.

Curtis and Sally reflect on the themes of spiritual sowing and reaping, the danger of misplaced trust, and the hope found in God's persistent love. Drawing connections to Galatians and the teachings of Jesus, they invite listeners to consider the call to surrender, to cultivate righteousness, and to trust the One who leads with both justice and compassion.