The BEMA Podcast: Episode 425 – Hosea — Fruit in Keeping with Repentance

In Episode 425 of The BEMA Podcast, hosted by Marty Solomon and co-host Brent Billings, the discussion delves deep into the Book of Hosea, particularly focusing on chapters 6 and 7. This episode, released on November 21, 2024, explores the multifaceted concept of repentance, examining both its internal and external dimensions within the historical context of Israel. By deconstructing traditional readings and reconstructing them through historical lenses, Solomon and Billings offer rich insights applicable to contemporary faith and societal structures.

1. Recap and Introduction to Hosea 6

Brent Billings opens the episode by recapping the previous discussion on repentance, emphasizing its intentionality and the necessity of changed behavior as its culmination. He references John the Baptist's call to "bear fruit in keeping with repentance," linking this biblical principle to Hosea's message.

Marty Solomon reads Hosea 6:1-6, highlighting Israel's plea for healing and restoration despite their pervasive unfaithfulness:

“Come, let us return to the Lord. He has torn us to pieces, but he will heal us.” (00:34)

Brent connects this passage to the idea that true repentance should naturally result in behavioral transformation, setting the stage for analyzing the ensuing verses in Hosea 6 and 7.

2. The Duality of Israel's Unfaithfulness

The conversation transitions to the grim portrayal of Israel in Hosea 7, where six kings reign, four of whom are murdered, illustrating deep-seated political instability and moral decay.

Brent underscores the internal and external chaos depicted:

“This is not good. This time of great violence is an ugly picture. What can we possibly do?” (02:53)

He identifies two primary failures within Israel:

1. Internal Chaos: A focus on personal faith and repentance without addressing communal or systemic issues. This group views faith, obedience, and sin as private matters, neglecting the broader societal implications.

2. External Chaos: Emphasis on systemic justice and societal reforms without personal heart transformation. This perspective prioritizes political alliances and social movements, often devoid of genuine spiritual renewal.

3. Symbolism and Metaphors in Hosea 7

Marty brings attention to recurring metaphors, such as the oven, to illustrate internal processes and consequences:

“The oven works really well with that, because when you take all those ingredients and put them together... you’re going to get exactly what you put together.” (08:02)

Brent expands on this, using the oven as a symbol for the heart where ingredients (personal and societal actions) are combined, emphasizing that without God’s presence, the outcome is predictable and flawed.

Marty reads Hosea 7:1-16, presenting vivid imagery of deceit, corruption, and the futility of relying on alliances with foreign powers:

“They do not cry out to me from their hearts, but wail on their beds...” (09:52)

4. Integrating Internal and External Repentance

Brent synthesizes the discussion by contrasting the internal and external groups, stressing that both are ineffective without God’s involvement:

“If it's void of God, it's always... If we’re not turning to God, if we’re not calling out to Him... it doesn’t work.” (11:56)

He advocates for a balanced approach:

• Internal Focus: Personal repentance and heart transformation.
• External Focus: Systemic justice and societal reforms.

Both must be anchored in a relationship with God to bear genuine fruit.

Marty echoes this sentiment, reflecting on modern parallels where reliance on political solutions without faith leads to failure:

“If we turn to the government without the faith side of it, then that’s not going to actually ultimately solve the problem either.” (26:28)

5. The Necessity of God in Both Spheres

The hosts emphasize that whether one leans towards internal spiritual growth or external social activism, God must remain central. They caution against ideologies or movements that exclude God, leading to empty and unsustainable outcomes.

Brent draws from a 1994 Minister's Manual, highlighting the peril of separating faith from politics:

“Faith cannot do it alone. Politics cannot do it all together. We too must seek not faith or politics, we must seek both.” (15:53)

This integration ensures that both personal and societal transformations are guided by divine grace and purpose.

6. Contemporary Applications and Reflection

Brent encourages listeners to introspect on their own approaches:

“Are we of the camp that says faith is an internal... or are we of the camp that says it's about justice and external systems?” (18:37)

He urges a harmonious blend of both approaches, emphasizing that:

• Internal Work: Personal repentance and heart cleansing.
• External Work: Advocating for justice and systemic change.

Marty adds that without integrating both, efforts remain incomplete and ineffective:

“It doesn't matter if it's internal or external. If you do this without me, it doesn’t matter... It’s all gonna fall.” (11:56)

7. Concluding Thoughts

In wrapping up, the hosts reiterate the central theme: true repentance involves both internal heart change and external societal action, all underpinned by a relationship with God. They highlight the dangers of neglecting either aspect, drawing from Hosea's warnings to Israel.

Brent offers a closing reflection:

“He said, I trained them and strengthened their arms... But they plot evil against me.” (16:09)

This serves as a reminder that God's provision and strength are fundamental to any form of true transformation.

Marty and Brent conclude by inviting listeners to engage further with their content through their website, expressing gratitude for the supportive community.

Notable Quotes

• Marty Solomon (00:34): “Come, let us return to the Lord. He has torn us to pieces, but he will heal us.”

• Brent Billings (08:36): “This is a Brent Billings amplified version, the prophecy of Billings. I like that.”

• Brent Billings (11:56): “If you do this without me, it's going to... it's all going to fall. It's all gonna fail.”

• Brent Billings (15:53): “History teaches us that faith cannot do it alone. Politics cannot do it all together. We too must seek not faith or politics, we must seek both.”

• Brent Billings (18:37): “We have these things we're trying to save ourselves from. We have these Egypts that maybe we've turned to in the past, but now we're trying to run from.”

Key Takeaways

1. Holistic Repentance: Authentic repentance encompasses both personal heart change and societal reform, all rooted in reliance on God.
2. Avoiding Extremes: Solely focusing on internal spirituality or external activism without integrating both leads to ineffectiveness.
3. God-Centered Action: Whether addressing personal morality or systemic issues, God's presence and guidance are essential for meaningful transformation.
4. Modern Parallels: The historical context of Hosea's warnings resonates today, illustrating the timeless relevance of integrating faith with all aspects of life.

By dissecting Hosea's intricate messages, Episode 425 challenges listeners to evaluate their own approaches to faith and societal engagement, advocating for a balanced, God-centric path to genuine repentance and transformation.