Resource Detail

2026 Hosea Lesson 8

YOU SHALL ACKNOWLEDGE NO SAVIOR EXCEPT ME

Hosea 11:12-13:16

Key Verse: 13:4

1. How is Ephraim’s sin described (11:12-12:1)? How does Jacob’s life serve as a contrast or example for Israel (12:2-4)? What does the title of God reveal about his character, and what does God consistently call His people to do (12:5-6)?
2. Why is placing confidence in wealth spiritually dangerous (12:7-9)? How do God’s continued efforts to guide His people contrast with their response (12:10-14)? In what areas of your life are you tempted to place your confidence in wealth rather than in God?
3. What do the images of morning mist, dew, chaff, and smoke suggest about Israel’s condition (13:1-3)? What is the significance of “You shall acknowledge no God but me” (13:4-5)? What consistent pattern of human behavior toward God is revealed in this passage (13:6-11)?
4. What do the images of “sin stored up” and “an unready child in childbirth” reveal about the consequences of delayed repentance (13:12-13)? How does verse 14 reveal the tension between God’s justice and His mercy? How do verses 15–16 expose the false security of prosperity without God and its devastating consequences?

2026 Hosea Message Juan Seo (March 22, 2026)

YOU SHALL ACKNOWLEDGE NO SAVIOR EXCEPT ME

Hosea 11:12-13:16

Key Verse 13:4

“But I have been the Lord your God ever since you came out of Egypt. You shall acknowledge no God but me, no Savior except me.”

We’re coming to the end of our study in the book of Hosea. We only have two sermons left—today and next Sunday. I hope that, through the messages of Hosea, we’ve come to feel God’s love for us more deeply and can draw even closer to the heart of God. To be honest, part of me wished the book of Hosea had ended at chapter 11. Because while I was meditating on chapter 11, I was deeply moved. As I reflected on that passage, I found myself crying. While preparing the message, I cried. And even while preaching last week, I couldn’t stop the tears from coming. So, I want to say—I’m sorry if I cried too much during last Sunday’s message. I guess, as I get older, I’m becoming more emotional. But at the same time, I’m beginning to understand the heart of God a little more.

But then, we come to chapters 12 and 13. And the tone changes again. Once again, we hear about Israel’s sin. And once again, we hear a message of judgment. Honestly, it would have been so much better if the story had gone differently. If, after hearing God’s voice of love, the people had repented, been restored, and received God’s blessing, that’s what we would expect. But that’s not what happened. Even after hearing God’s loving voice, they didn’t repent. They continued to live in their sin. Even though their future was heading toward judgment, they didn’t return to God. Why? Because their hearts had become hardened by sin. Their lives were so deeply entangled in sin that they had no way out. So what does God do? God speaks again. He exposes their sin once more. And He delivers a message of judgment—not to destroy them, but to wake them up. And we need to understand this clearly: His heart is filled with sadness and agony. His heart is breaking for His people.

Chapter 12 reveals Israel’s sin of lies and deceit. “Ephraim has surrounded me with lies, Israel with deceit” (11:12). Israel made a peace treaty with Assyria. But at the same time, behind the scenes, they reached out to Egypt—sending gifts, building another alliance—trying to stand against Assyria. They were playing both sides between Assyria and Egypt. From a human perspective, this looks smart, strategic, and realistic. This is what small nations often do when they are caught between powerful empires. But the real problem was not their political strategy. It was that they were not relying on God. They were relying on human power. Israel was destroyed not because their diplomacy failed, but because it didn’t trust God.

Hosea points out another serious problem. He says the merchants use dishonest scales and love to defraud (12:7). The merchants would secretly adjust the weights, so they would give less than what was fair, while charging the full price. They were cheating people to make more profit. At the root of it, it was greed. A desire to gain more, even if it meant deceiving others. Proverbs 11:1 says, “The Lord detests dishonest scales.” Why does God react so strongly against dishonest scales? Because this goes against God’s nature. God is just. God is honest. God is righteous. God cannot accept His people being dishonest and unjust. Also, there’s another reason. Dishonest scales especially hurt the poor, the vulnerable, and those who have no power to defend themselves. God protects the weak and upholds the oppressed. God cares for the vulnerable. God defends those who are overlooked. That’s why Psalm 146 says, “He upholds the cause of the oppressed and gives food to the hungry (7). The Lord watches over the foreigner and sustains the fatherless and the widow (9).” Therefore, when we cheat, take advantage of others, ignore the foreigner and the marginalized, or look down on the poor, it grieves the heart of God. We should follow God’s heart—helping the poor, welcoming the stranger, and showing love to those who are suffering.

Recently, five women came from Argentina to attend a UN event. After completing their two-week schedule, they returned safely to their home country. During their stay, two of them were hosted by M. Moses and Grace Kang, and the other three stayed with our family. Yesterday, they shared how deeply thankful they were that we opened our homes and welcomed them so warmly, even though we had never met them before. During a cold and difficult time in New York, they said our homes felt like their own. In Spanish, there is a saying, ‘Mi casa es tu casa,’ which means, ‘My home is your home.’ When I heard that, my heart was so happy. I especially want to express my deep gratitude to M. Moses and Grace Kang. They continually open their home to many guests, show hospitality, and find joy in doing so. Hebrews 13:2 says, “Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.” I thank God that we have many people who open their homes and serve others with joy. I believe God will surely bless such hearts. This year, we established new ministries for charity and hospitality. I pray that we may practice God’s love more actively toward those who are in need.

God compares the people of Israel with Jacob, their ancestor. Do you know what the name “Jacob” means? It means “one who grasps the heel,” or “deceiver,” or “one who takes by trickery.” From the very beginning, even before he was born, Jacob was struggling. He was a twin. As he was coming out, he was holding onto his brother Esau’s heel—almost like saying, “I’m not going to lose. I’m going to come out first.” That was Jacob. Later on, when his brother Esau was hungry, Jacob took advantage of that moment. For just a bowl of stew, he took Esau’s birthright. And then, he deceived his own father and stole his brother’s blessing. Because of that, he had to run away because his brother wanted to kill him. And on the way, as he was fleeing in fear, he had a dream. He saw angels ascending and descending between heaven and earth. And there, he made a vow to God. “If God will be with me and will watch over me on this journey I am taking and will give me food to eat and clothes to wear so that I return safely to my father’s household, then the LORD will be my God and this stone that I have set up as a pillar will be God’s house, and of all that you give me I will give you a tenth.” Jacob called that place Bethel, which means “house of God.” Then he went to his uncle’s house in Aram. There, he fell in love with his cousin Rachel. And for her, he worked fourteen years. Fourteen years, without pay and without complaint, because he loved her so much. He built a large family and also gained great wealth. And then he decided to return home. But there was still a problem. He had to face his brother Esau again. And he was terrified. “What if my brother still wants to kill me?” That night, he wrestled with God until daybreak. Jacob said, “I will not let you go unless you bless me.” He was weeping and begging for God’s favor. And in that moment, God gave him a new name: Israel. From a deceiver to someone who struggles with God. Jacob’s life began to change. He became the father of a nation.

So, why does God bring up Jacob here? It’s because of the contrast. Jacob repented, and his life was changed. But Israel, Jacob’s descendants, did not follow that path. Instead of turning back to God, instead of repenting, they continued to live in their sin. It’s almost as if God is saying, “Look at your father Jacob. He was a deceiver, but he returned to me. He changed. But you, Israel, do not repent. You are not returning.” This is God’s lament. God is grieving because of Israel’s sin.

Materialism is another sin of Israel that God reveals in chapter 12. It is the belief that wealth is everything. 12:8 says, “Ephraim boasts, ‘I am very rich; I have become wealthy. With all my wealth they will not find in me any iniquity or sin.’” Do you hear their attitude? God had blessed them and made them wealthy. But instead of remembering God, they forgot Him. 13:6 says, “When they were satisfied, they became proud; then they forgot me.” And that pride begins to speak. “I am very rich.” “I have become wealthy.” They are boasting. They are finding their identity, their security, and their joy in their wealth. But it goes even further. They say, “With all my wealth, they will not find in me any sin.” In other words, they are saying, “My money proves that I’m okay.” “My wealth means I’m not guilty.” But the reality is—they became rich by deceiving others. By cheating. By taking advantage of the weak. And yet, they say, “I have no sin.” Some people think money can hide their sin. Money can protect them. Money can justify them. Recently, I was quite shocked by the Epstein files. It made me realize how people with wealth and power can commit such serious sins. And yet, instead of acknowledging their wrongdoing, they try to cover it up and justify it. In this, I could see how deeply materialism has taken root in American society. But God opposes that kind of pride. God judges those who commit such sins. That’s why God says, “I will make you live in tents again.” It means, “I will take you back.” Back to the wilderness. Back to a time when you had nothing, when you had to depend on me every day.

When we have more money, it becomes very easy to forget God. We start to feel like, “I worked hard for this.” “I earned this.” “I built this.” And before we realize it, pride begins to grow in our hearts. But the Bible reminds us that it is God who provides. It is God who gives us the ability, the opportunity, the strength. So the more we have, the more we actually need to humble ourselves before God. The more we are blessed, the more we need to remember Him. Unfortunately, many people treat money like a god. And without realizing it, they become slaves to it. They spend their whole lives chasing after money. That kind of life is deeply sad. One of the best ways to overcome materialism is to use what we have for God and for others. When we give tithes and offerings to God, we are acknowledging that everything we have comes from God. As we practice giving to God as a response of gratitude, we are no longer ruled by money. Instead, we begin to fear God. Money is no longer our master. God becomes our master.

Chapter 13 again reveals Israel’s sin of idolatry. God exalted Ephraim, but they became guilty of Baal worship and died. They sinned more and more, making idols for themselves from their silver. They even offered human sacrifices and kissed calf-idols. This shows how far they had fallen. Their hearts had completely turned away from God.

Now, because of these sins, Israel faces God’s judgment. They will quickly disappear. They will be devoured by Assyria. God says, “You are destroyed, Israel, because you are against me, against your helper.”

But even in the middle of all this, God did not abandon Israel. In the midst of their sin and rebellion, God was still inviting His people to come back. He says, “The LORD God Almighty, the LORD is his name” (12:5). In other words, “Do not forget who I am. I am the LORD, the God of all the heavenly armies, the One who has all authority and power.” What does that mean? It means that only the LORD God Almighty can save His people. So, God gives a very clear call. “You must return to your God; maintain love and justice, and wait for your God always” (12:6). There are three verbs in this verse: return, maintain, and wait. God is calling His people to turn away from their sin and come back to God. God is calling His people to remain faithful to Him and maintain a right relationship with Him. God is calling His people to trust Him, depend on Him, and wait for His salvation. And this is not just for Israel. This is for us. This is how we are called to live before God today.

God reminds them that He has always been with them. He says, “I have been the LORD your God ever since you came out of Egypt.” This is repeated in 12:9 and again in 13:4. Why? Because God wants His people to remember that God has been with them from the very beginning. Even though Israel turned away from God, God never turned away from them. God has been faithful to Israel.

So, what should Israel do? Please look at 13:4b: “You shall acknowledge no God but me, no Savior except me.” They are called to acknowledge that there is no other God and no other Savior. Only the God of Israel is the true God and the true Savior. Also, God gives them the promise of salvation. Please look at 13:14: “I will deliver this people from the power of the grave; I will redeem them from death. Where, O death, are your plagues? Where, O grave, is your destruction?” Isn’t that powerful? Even after all the sin, God is still speaking about deliverance and redemption from the power of death. The apostle Paul later quotes this in 1 Corinthians 15:55: “Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?” This promise of redemption leads us to Jesus Christ. Jesus was crucified for our sins and rose again on the third day, breaking the power of death and promising final victory to those who believe in Him. Therefore, no power of darkness or death can overcome believers in Jesus. Through Him, we are assured of eternal life. There is no Savior except Jesus. “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6). Therefore, relying on this saving grace of Jesus, we must repent of our sins and come before God. We must repent of our sins of lies and deceit, our materialism, and our idolatry, and, relying on the blood of Jesus, come before God to restore a relationship of love and righteousness with Him and wait for our God always. We praise God, who loves us and patiently waits for us to return to Him. Amen.