As the LORD brings His charge against Israel and Judah, He calls them to remember the story of their father, Jacob. Although Jacob was known as a cheater early in his life, the LORD still showed His faithfulness to Jacob. Because the LORD gave Jacob His blessing when Jacob strove with Him, Israel now should strive with God in repentance and faith, seeking His forgiveness even now. Yet rather than returning to the LORD as Jacob once had done, Israel only continues to live as the Canaanites in their iniquity and idolatry. Even though the LORD has spoken to His people by the prophets since Moses, they only continue to provoke Him to anger. 

Rev. Doug Minton, pastor at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Milford, IL, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Hosea 12:2-14. 

To learn more about Our Savior Lutheran, visit oursaviormilford.com.

“Majoring in the Minors” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that goes through the books of Hosea, Joel, Jonah, Micah, and Nahum. Although the books of these prophets are shorter, the Word of God they preached was important in the years leading up to the coming of the Christ, and that Word remains important for the Church today. Just as we still need to listen to their call to repentance over our idolatry, so we still need to heed their call to trust in the Savior, Jesus. 

Sharper Iron, hosted by Rev. Timothy Appel, looks at the text of Holy Scripture both in its broad context and its narrow detail, all for the sake of proclaiming Christ crucified and risen for sinners. Two pastors engage with God's Word to sharpen not only their own faith and knowledge, but the faith and knowledge of all who listen. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org