HOSEA

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His beauty, that is the beauty of the lost nation, to be as the green olive tree. Hos. 14:6b We must remember that the prophecy is being directed at Ephraim (the ten tribes called Israel), and not to Judah. Furthermore, the work that the Lord will accomplish among them in the end of the age will be a spiritual work. That the Lord has not forgotten them is very obvious in these statements. In Christ Jesus, all people are included in that which He will accomplish in producing a glorious church in the last days. A church which will literally become His Bride. In other words, there is a reference here to the crowning work of the ages, the church bearing the intense glory of the Lord and her subsequent marriage with Christ. The church is engaged to Christ. 2 Cor. 11:2 The marriage between Christ and His church is the great mystery. Eph. 5:32 The whole of the Apostleís discourse relates to the marriage of all marriages, Christ and His church.

The olive tree as depicted in the scriptures has many meanings. Among them, the man who walks in the ways of the Lord will have many children, who are as olive plants around His table. Ps. 128:3 The true revelation of the importance of the communion table will be theirs as they gather around the table of the Lord. The Greek word koinonia as used here means fellowship, participation, a unity or joining together. The communion is not to be a ritual but a life giving experience of touching Him and His touch being upon us. It bridges the gap and causes the church to be joined to Him. Not only does It join us to Christ but it likewise unifies the whole of the body, the church of Christ. 1 Cor. 10:16-17.

In the parable of the trees seeking a king, the value and importance of the olive tree is emphasized. The trees listed depreciate in value as tree after tree is requested to become king over the forests. The olive tree is the first and the most valuable. It is truly a tree worthy of becoming king of the trees. Judges 9:8-9 Becoming a political figure would have caused the olive tree to leave itís fruitfulness. A source of honor both to the Lord and man. The most important usage of it fatness, or itís oil would be the anointing which was placed on kings I Kings 15:1, priests Ex. 28:41 and prophets 1 Kings 19:16. The important, leadership offices were all men who had been chosen by the Lord and anointed to do His will. The Holy anointing oil, a very special concoction, was used exclusively for the anointing of the priest, the tabernacle with all of itís furnishings. Ex. 30:25-30 This very special holy anointing oil is a type of the anointing of the Holy Spirit which should be an experience of all who are in ministry. It was not to be used promiscuously nor even copied for itís perfume. It was for one purpose and only for that. Ex. 30:32-33 When Aaron was anointed to the office of the high priest he was literally doused with the oil. Ps. 133 May the Lord in His mercy anoint everyone in ministry with an abundance of His Spirit.

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