4.
In spite of the separation between Israel and the Lord and their subsequent removal from the land of promise, their numbers were to increase. The Lord declared their number would be as multitudinous as the sand on the sea shore. A number which cannot be measured or numbered. As a nation, especially one favored by the Lord, they were to be completely separated from His presence and His mercies. Hos. 1:10 However, in His love for people the Lord will gather from them and of all nations of the earth a very special people. The harvest of the nations is the gathering in of the individuals who make up those nations. Salvation is not of race but is of grace. Regardless of their roots, the last day church will be composed of the called out ones. They were not a people until the Lord brought them unto Himself and made them His people. They are the recipients of His great mercy and grace. 1 Peter 2:10.
Destiny in a unified nation. The Lord in assembling His church will bring the two elements, Judah and Israel into His new, spiritual nation. What is accomplished here is not after the political ploy and manipulations of mankind, but is an act of God. The fact of one head, one leader is key to that which will be completed. The concluding statement of verse ten is that which gives us a time element. ye are the sons of the living God.
Hos. 1:10 That this is a New Testament theme is self evident in the scriptures. Those who believed on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ were granted the power of the Lord to become sons of God. It is very apparent that the Lord is referring to a spiritual people in whom His promises will be fulfilled. The Spirit of adoption whereby we are granted the privilege of calling the Father God, Abba Father, is certain proof of a Spiritual people being formed. Those who are guided by the Spirit are proclaimed to be sons of God. It is the witness and testimony of the Spirit in our lives which assures us that we are the children of the Lord. Rom. 8:14-16.
It is through the manifestation of the His gracious love in our lives that He has chosen to call the redeemed, sons of God. He constantly demonstrates that love and high calling which is in Christ Jesus. 1 John 3:1 This acceptance into His great family is not for a time in the future but is a divine benefit bestowed upon us now. At the time of His appearing we shall have already assumed His nature and being and will like Him 1 John 3:1 All those who are His sons and daughters will have the same character as is demonstrated in His life. It is His divine purpose to have a people who are identical to Himself. 2 Cor. 6:18 He will see to it that where the message of separation was sounded, the message of redemption and salvation shall be heard by, and received of a united people. Rom. 9:26 Thus the mercy and grace of the Lord Jesus will gather His own unto Himself.