Scripture Union Daily Guide 26 June 2025 (Thursday) Devotional Message
Today’s Daily Guide 26th June 2025 Reading By Scripture Union
TOPIC: Faithful to Even the Rebellious
OPENING PRAYER: My dear heavenly Father, as I study your word, let it be a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.
INTRODUCTION TO HOSEA
The Book of Hosea is a pictorial presentation of the unfaithfulness of Israel in the covenant relationship with God Almighty. The Prophet Hosea preached in the Northern Kingdom of Israel during the troubled times leading on to the fall of Samaria at the hands of the Assyrians in 721 BC. His marriage to and undying love for his unfaithful and stubborn wife, Gomer, depicts God’s constant love for His people Israel. Gomer’s unfaithfulness with other men pictures Israel’s spiritual idolatry. But Hosea loved Gomer and took her back again. In the same way, God’s unfailing love would win the nation of Israel back to Him and restore their relationship.
SCRIPTURE READING – Hosea 1:1-11
1 The word of the Lord that came unto Hosea, the son of Beeri, in the days of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah, and in the days of Jeroboam the son of Joash, king of Israel.
2 The beginning of the word of the Lord by Hosea. And the Lord said to Hosea, Go, take unto thee a wife of whoredoms and children of whoredoms: for the land hath committed great whoredom, departing from the Lord.
3 So he went and took Gomer the daughter of Diblaim; which conceived, and bare him a son.
4 And the Lord said unto him, Call his name Jezreel; for yet a little while, and I will avenge the blood of Jezreel upon the house of Jehu, and will cause to cease the kingdom of the house of Israel.
5 And it shall come to pass at that day, that I will break the bow of Israel, in the valley of Jezreel.
6 And she conceived again, and bare a daughter. And God said unto him, Call her name Loruhamah: for I will no more have mercy upon the house of Israel; but I will utterly take them away.
7 But I will have mercy upon the house of Judah, and will save them by the Lord their God, and will not save them by bow, nor by sword, nor by battle, by horses, nor by horsemen.
8 Now when she had weaned Loruhamah, she conceived, and bare a son.
9 Then said God, Call his name Loammi: for ye are not my people, and I will not be your God.
10 Yet the number of the children of Israel shall be as the sand of the sea, which cannot be measured nor numbered; and it shall come to pass, that in the place where it was said unto them, Ye are not my people, there it shall be said unto them, Ye are the sons of the living God.
11 Then shall the children of Judah and the children of Israel be gathered together, and appoint themselves one head, and they shall come up out of the land: for great shall be the day of Jezreel.
Question(s) For Meditation:
► Q 1: What does the passage teach about God the Father, or God the Son or God the Holy Spirit?
► Q2: Is there any example for me to follow or not to follow?
► Q4: Is there any promise for me to believe or hope for?
Scripture Union Daily Guide 26 June 2025: OUTLINE
God through Hosea embodies the relationship between God and His people. Throughout scripture, the people of God are portrayed as His bride and He, the husband (Isaiah 54:5, Jeremiah 31:32, Revelation 21:2). Hosea becomes a sign prophet as he mirrors God’s experience with the people. This is an exceptional instruction for practically demonstrating what God had been saying to the people. It is not a licence to be unequally yoked with unbelievers considering many other passages (2 Corinthians 6:14).
This action contradicts scripture in its wider context. It is exceptional because of what the Lord wanted to do. Notice the reason for instructing the prophet to engage in this relationship (Hosea 1:2b,6). The unfaithfulness of the land is exemplified, observed in the names given to the children born.
Notice the contrast between Israel and Judah in Hosea 1:6-7. The promise to Abraham (Genesis 22:17) is reaffirmed in Hosea 1:10. God is committed to His promises, and he continues to restore His people when they fall away. The leader in its initial fulfilment could have been one of the earlier kings. However, Jesus is the ultimate leader prophesied (Hosea 1:11). How did Hosea feel when his wife was so unfaithful? Yet that is the story of God’s people and our story also. Thank God for His unfailing mercy.
Closing Prayer:
Lord, thank you for your mercy that seeks us when we stray. Please help me to remain within the boundaries of your grace and mercy.
One Year Bible Reading Guide:
1 Kings 12-13; Ecclesiastes 9.
One Year Bible Reading Guide, Hard Copy Version:
1 Kings 16; 2 Chronicles 17
NATIONAL PRAYER BULLETIN – Thursday Jun 26, 2025
PRAYER FOCUS
PILGRIMS, CHILDREN, MISSIONS AND SCHOOLS TRAINING THE TRAINERS IN BENIN
“……, so that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work”. 2 Tim. 3:17
THANK GOD FOR:
* For the structure and strategy in SU to train everyone who wants to join in work for effectiveness • How these trainings help our spiritual, physical and intellectual development
PRAY FOR:
* The participants to maximize the opportunity of the training • Grace for them to be able to train others better • Journey mercies to and from the program
Scripture Union is an international, interdenominational, evangelical Christian organization. It was founded in 1867, and works in partnership with individuals and churches across the world. The organization’s stated aim is to use the Bible to inspire children, young people and adults to know God. (Scripture Union Daily Guide 26 June 2025)