Day 14 - Fruitful Destruction
- Pastor b.Side
- Jul 14
- 3 min read
“For I [will be] like a lion to Ephraim, and like a young lion to the house of Judah. I, [even] I, will tear [them] and go away; I will take [them] away, and no one shall rescue. I will return again to My place till they acknowledge their offense. Then they will seek My face; in their affliction they will earnestly seek Me.” - Hosea 5:14-15
When a lion captures its prey, it’s brutal. Watching a lion kill its prey is violent and destructive. The sounds are gross and disturbing. Once finished, the lion leaves its prey as nothing, showing incredible power! God’s judgments are similar. This is why the Bible often depicts God as a lion in relation to His judgments. When God expresses His anger toward sin, it’s violent and brutal. The destruction He causes is irreversible unless He miraculously restores.
“I [will be] like a lion to Ephraim…”
The Book of Hosea provides a powerful example of God’s strength. Hosea contains warnings from God to the Northern Kingdom of Israel, which chose to follow their own way instead of God’s instructions. They decided to mix parts of God’s commands with worldly ways to create their own culture and spiritual beliefs. Because the people ignored God’s warnings, He prepared to deliver judgment. God compared the coming destruction to that of a lion. He Himself would cause devastation among His people that would be violent and severe. He had been patient with the ongoing arrogance, self-righteousness, and rebellion within His people but had reached the limit of that patience. It was time for Him to act, and His action would be thorough.
“I will take [them] away, and no one shall rescue…”
God said He would tear the people apart and remove them from the land. He promised that the situation would be so severe that no one could help them. This is exactly what happened when the Assyrian Empire invaded and completely scattered the Northern Kingdom in 722 BC. World history confirms that this prophecy was fulfilled according to God's exact measure. God’s judgment was unavoidable because the people kept rejecting God’s offer of forgiveness by refusing to repent. It seemed as if God’s judgment was entirely irreversible. After all, when a lion destroys its prey, that creature is gone forever! Yet, God’s power is greater.
“Then they will seek My face…”
The LORD promised that although His judgments would be harsh, they would also be spiritually fruitful. The brutality and helplessness that Israel experienced opened their eyes to the truth of their spiritual condition and the reality of God. The One who has the power to destroy also has the power to restore. God’s judgments were severe but effective, prompting His people to repent. History confirms that God has the authority to judge when He promises to do so. It also affirms that God’s judgments consistently produce a faithful remnant among those who are judged, who repent, humbly seek God’s face, and receive the benefits of His supernatural power to restore. This is how God distinguishes Himself as the Lion of Judah.
Prayer for today
Our heavenly Father, thank You for revealing the truth of Your power. You have the power to judge and will do so according to Your Word. You also have the power to preserve and restore the repentant who believe in Your Word. Help us understand the true nature of Your power and how You exercise it to produce spiritually and eternally focused results. May we receive Your power to repent, die to ourselves, take up our crosses, and follow You in Jesus’ name. Amen.
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