Hosea Announces Israel's Punishment

In this episode of Arise + Abide, Curtis and Sally read Hosea chapter 9 and reflect on the painful consequences of Israel's unfaithfulness to God. As Hosea announces the nation's coming punishment, the chapter reveals both the grief and justice of God—how His love has been betrayed by those who turned to idols and false gods. Israel's worship has become distorted, their festivals corrupted, and their trust misplaced in fertility gods that cannot bless or sustain them.

Curtis and Sally discuss how God's judgment in this passage is not arbitrary but the natural result of Israel's choices. When they reject His covenant, He allows them to experience the emptiness of what they have chosen. Yet even in these harsh words, the story reminds listeners that God's discipline flows from love—a desire to bring His people back to truth and life.

Drawing parallels to today, the hosts explore how humanity still resists God's correction and dismisses His messengers as "fools." Following Jesus means humbly listening, turning back when corrected, and surrendering self-made paths to walk in His way. Though Hosea 9 speaks of rejection, it ultimately points toward restoration—when "not loved" will once again become "the ones I love."