The BEMA Podcast - Episode 432: Hosea — God’s Avatar

Release Date: January 9, 2025
Host: Marty Solomon
Co-Hosts: Brent Billings, Al Grover Fricks
Ministry: BEMA Discipleship, a ministry of Impact Campus Ministries

Introduction: Exploring Hosea 11

In Episode 432 of The BEMA Podcast, titled "Hosea — God’s Avatar," hosts Marty Solomon and Brent Billings are joined by guest Al Grover Fricks to delve deep into Hosea Chapter 11. This episode marks a pivotal exploration of a tonal shift within the Book of Hosea, focusing on the portrayal of God's character and emotions. The discussion aims to unravel the complexities of God's relationship with Israel, emphasizing a transition from condemnation to a more paternal and compassionate perspective.

Contextualizing Hosea 11

Brent Billings initiates the conversation by summarizing the overarching narrative of Hosea, highlighting the prophet's relentless proclamation over seven chapters. He notes, “Hosea has been ranting for seven chapters… invitations to really check ourselves and to work through repentance” (04:35). This sets the stage for Hosea 11, which Brent describes as a "circle back" to earlier themes, reflecting on God’s enduring love despite Israel’s recurring unfaithfulness.

Marty Solomon echoes the sentiment, expressing a sense of relief as the discussion shifts to a more tender portrayal of God. He remarks, “in the storm I will kill your king… Hosea 11 gives some sense of where the ark starts to resemble that first” (02:30), indicating a return to foundational narratives that emphasize God’s nurturing side.

Analyzing Key Verses in Hosea 11

Brent Billings reads the first four verses of Hosea 11, capturing the essence of God's affectionate yet disappointed stance:

"When Israel was a child, I loved him. And out of Egypt I called my son. But the more they were called, the more they went away from me. They sacrificed to the Baals and they burned incense to images. It was I who taught Ephraim to walk, taking them by the arms. But they did not realize it was I who healed them. I led them with cords of human kindness, with ties of love to them. I was like one who lifts a little child to the cheek, and I bent down to feed them."
— Brent Billings, 04:03

Al Grover Fricks provides a nuanced translation and interpretation of the original Hebrew text. He discusses the term “naar,” traditionally translated as “child,” noting its deeper connotations of youth and vigor. Al explains, “naar is the word for the onomatopoeic sound that a lion makes… young people are the ones marching around with the big, fiery ideas” (05:04). This highlights God’s appreciation for the dynamism and disruptiveness of youth, juxtaposed against Israel’s drift towards idolatry and political expediency.

The Parental Image of God

A significant portion of the episode focuses on the portrayal of God as a parental figure. Al elaborates on the Hebrew word choices, emphasizing the paternal and maternal imagery: “the word for walk isn't our usual word for walk… it's like the word ragal, which is for like… a really, really paternal or maternal image of the very first steps” (08:00). This depiction aligns with the tender actions described, such as “bending down to feed them,” reinforcing the image of God’s nurturing care.

Marty Solomon connects this parental imagery to the Christian understanding of God through Jesus, stating, “God is like Jesus… we haven’t always known this, but now we do” (43:03). This reflection underscores the continuity between the Old Testament portrayal of God and the New Testament revelation through the Incarnation.

Compassion Amidst Judgment

While Hosea 11 introduces a softer portrayal, it does not entirely shy away from judgment. Al discusses the impending threat of Assyria and Egypt as instruments of punishment for Israel’s unfaithfulness. He interprets Hosea’s warning, “they shall not return to the land of Mitsrayim Ashur. He is their king, for they have refused to return” (16:19), as a metaphor for Israel’s rejection of God’s sovereignty in favor of political and imperial alliances.

Brent Billings humorously relates Assyria to modern imperialistic endeavors, suggesting, “Assyria probably did picture the rest of humanity as the underbrush” (16:29). This critique underscores the tension between God’s desire for a relational and faithful community and the allure of worldly power and advancement.

Hope and Restoration

Despite the stern warnings, Hosea 11 culminates in a message of hope and restoration. Brent reads the concluding verses, emphasizing God’s promise to settle His people back in their homes:

"How can I give you up, Ephraim? How can I hand you over, Israel?... I will settle them in their homes, declares the Lord."
— Brent Billings, 24:04

Al interprets this as God’s unwavering compassion and commitment to His people, likening it to a parent’s enduring love despite a child’s missteps. He highlights the imagery of doves and tenderness, reinforcing the theme of restorative love that prevails even amidst judgment.

The Incarnation and Understanding God’s Nature

A pivotal moment in the episode is the discussion on the Incarnation and its impact on understanding God's nature. Marty Solomon shares a favorite quote from Brian Zahn: “God is like Jesus. God has always been like Jesus. There was never a time when God was not like Jesus” (43:03). This theological insight bridges the Old Testament depictions of God with the New Testament revelation, illustrating the consistency and depth of God’s character.

Al reinforces this by summarizing the episode’s takeaway: “humanity wants to press forward, we want success… the way to do that and loving, trusting relationship with God is returning to the presence of God and listening to the voice of God” (40:55). This emphasizes the importance of maintaining a relationship with God’s presence as the foundation for genuine progress and fulfillment.

Conclusion: Embracing God’s Parental Love

In closing, The BEMA Podcast Episode 432 offers a profound exploration of Hosea 11, revealing a multifaceted portrayal of God as both a compassionate parent and a righteous judge. The hosts and guest articulate the delicate balance between God’s enduring love and the necessary discipline that calls Israel back to faithfulness.

Key takeaways include:

• God’s Nurturing Nature: Hosea 11 vividly depicts God’s tender care, guiding Israel as a parent would a child.
• Humanity’s Struggle: The tension between pursuing worldly success and maintaining a relationship with God is central to Israel’s narrative.
• Hope and Restoration: Despite Israel’s failings, God promises restoration and a return to His loving presence.
• The Incarnation’s Insight: Understanding God’s character through Jesus enhances the interpretation of prophetic texts, aligning Old Testament depictions with New Testament revelations.

For listeners unfamiliar with the episode, this summary encapsulates the rich theological discussions and insightful interpretations that The BEMA Podcast offers, encouraging a deeper understanding of biblical contexts and God’s unwavering love.

Notable Quotes:

• Brent Billings [04:03]:
  “…I was like one who lifts a little child to the cheek, and I bent down to feed them.”

• Marty Solomon [43:03]:
  “God has always been like Jesus. There was never a time when God was not like Jesus.”

• Al Grover Fricks [05:04]:
  “naar is the word for the onomatopoeic sound that a lion makes… young people are the ones marching around with the big, fiery ideas.”

• Al Grover Fricks [08:00]:
  “It’s like the word ragal, which is for like… a really, really paternal or maternal image of the very first steps.”

This episode encourages believers to reflect on their relationship with God, embracing His parental love while navigating the challenges of maintaining faithfulness in a complex world.