Eastside Bible Fellowship

08/23/2026

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08/22/2026

Proverbs 27:5-6

08/22/2026

08/22/2026

Sunday: August 23, 2026
God’s Love for Israel
Hosea 11:1-11

Main Text: “I will not execute the fierceness of My anger; I will not return to Ephraim to destroy him again. For I am God and not man, the Holy One in your midst [who will not revoke My covenant], And I will not come in wrath or enter the city [in judgment]” (Hosea 11:9).

Introduction

“Hosea was a prophet to the Northern Kingdom of Israel...The Israelites had broken God’s covenant and brought about the sworn curses for doing so upon themselves (cf. Deut. 8:1-9:17). Yet, through Hosea, God promised covenant renewal (Hos. 2:19-20) and restoration because of His love for His people” (paraphrased from Gilcher, Jerod, “Studying the Text”, Adult Bible Teacher text – Summer Quarter 2026, Lifestone Ministries Union Gospel Press).

God’s Love at the First Exodus – Hosea 11:1-4

The LORD God highlights His initiating love for Israel. He pictures the nation as a child in infancy: most vulnerable, innocent, and dependent. God’s love for Israel is covenantal (based on a sovereign pledge and bond), rooted in the promises made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. It is an unconditional love that began long before Sinai and remains regardless of Israel’s frequent disobedience. God’s initiating love (meaning that it began in and by Him alone – cf. 1 John 4:19) “brought the Israelites out of Egypt” (Exod. 12:51; Psa. 105:37).
“Despite Israel’s repeated disobedience, God continually, personally and actively reached out to His chosen people in a tender, patient, and guiding parent-child relationship” (studybible, biblehub.com). However, Israel failed to appreciate God’s blessings and His grace.
The more God called Israel, the farther they departed from Him (cf. Jer. 2:5; Ezek. 6:9). They turned towards idol worship instead of worshipping God.
God “parented” Israel as His children – nurturing them: He did the teaching, the supporting, and the mending, yet His children overlooked Him.
Just like a good shepherd leading sheep, God led Israel with compassion and provided for their needs (Exod. 15:13).
God lifted the yoke from their necks – signifying God’s active, personal role as a redeemer who frees His people from bo***ge.
The image of God bending down to feed His people expresses closeness and personal care, much like a parent raising and developing a child.
Through Jesus Christ, “the same God who guided Israel out of bo***ge still guides believers today, pulling us with cords of unfailing love, removing every yoke of slavery, and stooping low to meet our every need!” (studybible).

Israel’s Captivity in Assyria – Hosea 11:5-7

God’s question points back to past bo***ge and slavery for Israel in Egypt. The prophetic warning given by God is of coming judgment and overpowering control under Assyrian captivity, which would bring about consuming destruction. Sudden warfare will sweep Israel’s cities, defenses will crumble, and the nation’s self-made plans will prove suicidal.
Israel’s persistent rebellion and hard-heartedness led to their downfall. Israel was defiantly bent on turning away from God - the people’s hearts are set on apostasy: idolatry and alliances with foreign nations (cf. 2 Kin. 17:4, 18:21; Isa. 30:1-2, 31:1). Because the heart remains unchanged, the Lord withholds the uplift or deliverance they seek (Psa. 66:18; Isa. 1:15; Mic. 3:4).
Repentance must precede restoration; sincere obedience opens the way for God’s praise (James 4:10; 1 Pet. 5:6).

God’s Love at the Second Exodus – Hosea 11:8-11

Here, against the foreboding prophecy of God’s righteous and just judgment upon Israel’s sin, we encounter God’s tremendous grace, His deep love and reluctance to abandon His people despite their persistent unfaithfulness.
Admah and Zeboiim were two of the five “cities of the plain” destroyed by God alongside S***m and Gomorrah due to their wickedness (cf. Deut. 29:23). Thus, God’s reference to them emphasizes the seriousness of Israel’s sin.
“However, God’s rhetorical question reflects the tension between divine justice and mercy. Israel is at the heart of God’s redemptive plan (cf. Gen. 12:1-3; Exod. 19:5-6; Isa. 49:6). God’s heart is turned and His compassion is stirred! This stirring of compassion indicates a movement towards mercy and forgiveness and reflects God’s consistent character of offering repentance and restoration, (cf. Jonah 3)” (studybible).
Despite Israel’s continual idolatry and rebellion, God chooses not to unleash His complete wrath. God promises not to destroy them "again" suggesting a future period of restoration and hope (a foreshadowing of the ultimate restoration through Christ, who offers redemption and reconciliation). God is not bound by human limitations or emotions (Num. 23:19); His holiness and divine nature set Him apart. This distinction is crucial because it is secured assurance that God’s promises are true and He is faithful to them.
The promise that Israel "will walk after the LORD" suggests a future repentance and restoration - following His commandments and living in accordance with His will.
“The imagery of God roaring like a lion conveys His power and authority… suggesting that God’s call is both commanding and awe-inspiring, demanding attention and reverence… God’s roar is both a call to repentance and an invitation to return to Him.” (studybible). Notice that His people respond to His call “trembling” – a mixture of fear and reverence suggesting heartfelt repentance and acknowledgment of God's sovereignty (cf. Exod. 19:16).
God will bring His scattered people back with both urgency and tenderness, place them securely in their own homes, and stake His very name on the outcome. The verse reassures every believer that when God promises return and rest, He fulfills it completely and personally.

Summary

The Israelites deserved the wrath of God because of their sin against Him. Yet, instead of making an end of them, He would continue to provide a way for their salvation and restoration to a right relationship with Him. While God would bring judgment, it would not be the final judgment (2 Pet. 2:4-10). He would redeem and rescue His people again.

For us as God’s people today, those who have received and accepted Jesus as Lord, Savior, and our only salvation, we have access to the same gracious mercy, merciful grace, and compassionate love. When we sin, “God does not have hard feelings about forgiving us when we return to Him. Instead, He runs to us and eagerly embraces us (cf. father in the Prodigal son parable - Luke 15:11-32). God does not wait enthusiastically to smite us at the smallest sin but is full of overflowing compassion ready to forgive us no matter how much we have sinned, if we repent” (Gilcher). Repentance must precede restoration (2 Chron. 7:14; Jer. 15:19; Acts 3:19).

May the love, peace, and grace of God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord be with you!

08/16/2026

Sunday School
Lesson subject:The Good Shepherd
Lesson text:Ezekiel 34:1-16

08/16/2026

Sunday: August 16, 2026

The Good Shepherd

Ezekiel 34:1-16

Main Text: “For thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I, even I, will both search my sheep, and seek them out” (Ezek. 34:11).

Introduction

It is unfortunate that some leaders, whom God has placed in authority, mislead us and are not who we think they are. Instead of submitting themselves under God’s sovereign lead and directing people in compliance to His direction and instruction, they do the opposite. They seek their own well-being, often at the expense of those they are to protect.

Today we examine the prophecy of Ezekiel, a contemporary of Jeremiah, regarding the wickedness of false shepherds and God’s promise to be the true Shepherd.

God’s Charges Against the Shepherds – Ezek. 34:1-6

We notice first that Ezekiel, just as Jeremiah had, acknowledges that the words he is speaking come from the LORD – it originates from the covenant keeping God of Israel. The prophet himself is merely a human being called by almighty God to deliver a divine hard truth.
The subject of the message is a warning to the “shepherds” of Israel– priests, prophets, and kings (cf. Jer. 23:1-2). The shepherd’s job is to protect, lead, and provide for the “sheep” (the people of Israel) entrusted to them by God (John 21:15-17). However, Israel’s shepherds did the exact opposite and deserted their God-given calling. God charges the leaders with greed - using authority for personal gain; neglect - ignoring the weak and wounded; and abuse - ruling with harshness. God holds the leaders accountable for the people’s wandering away and scattering (cf. James 3:1).
Left with no shepherd to guide them to God, Judah (Israel) pursued the pagan gods and acts of pagan worship in pagan locations. This resulted in God’s judgment through captivity and exile out of the land He had given them. The lack of protection from a shepherd left the people exposed to external threats, both physical and spiritual. Notice that the LORD pictures His people as “My flock,” underscoring His personal ownership and tender care (Psa. 100:3; John 10:27–29). Thus, the leaders’ failures became an offense against Him. Sins against God’s people are ultimately sins against the One who owns and loves them!

God’s Judgment Against the Shepherds – Ezek. 34:7-10

God repeats the formal accusation against the leaders of Judah (Israel). God anchors the truth of their guilt in a solemn oath secured in His unchanging, eternal nature. This emphasizes the certainty and authority of His declaration and underscores the reliability of His coming judgment upon them. Instead of caring for the flock, Israel’s leaders fed themselves, provoking God’s judgment.
The main trait of a true shepherd should be love for the flock, resulting in self-sacrifice. Servant-hearted care which means lifting the weak, restoring the sick, mending the injured, pursuing the wandering, and rescuing the lost. Every leader’s responsibility is to mirror the self-giving care of the Good Shepherd who perfectly feeds, guards, and lays down His life for His sheep (John 10:11).
“God’s divine judgment upon the unfaithful leaders would begin with reclaiming what they mishandled (Ezek. 33:8; Lk. 12:48) – “demand from them My flock” – and removal of authority from the unfaithful leaders. God promises to rescue His people from the exploitation and harm caused by their leaders. This deliverance is both a physical and spiritual salvation, pointing to God’s ongoing care and protection for His people” (studybible).
Leaders are accountable to God for the care and guidance of those entrusted to them. When leaders fail to fulfill their duties, the people suffer and become vulnerable to external threats. Despite the failure of human leaders, God remains committed to His people and will intervene to protect and restore them.

God Will Be the Good Shepherd – Ezek. 34:11-16

God resolves to shepherd His people personally. He declares that He will:
Search and seek them out - contrasting with the negligent shepherds, this indicates a commitment and intentional effort by God to find and to restore His scattered people. God does not wait for sinners to stumble home - He goes after them.
Deliver them - God promises deliverance precisely when conditions seem most hopeless.
Bring them out - rescue His people from among the nations where they have been scattered.
Gather them together - regathering signifies hope and restoration.
Bring them in - return to their own land emphasizes the physical and spiritual restoration of Israel. A spiritual renewal symbolizing God’s faithfulness to His promise to Abraham and his descendants (Gen. 12:7).
Feed them - symbolizes God’s total provision and care even in the low and difficult places. Israel will receive spiritual nourishment and care where God’s people will dwell securely in His presence.
Cause them to lie down - lying down suggests peace, rest, and security, free from fear and danger. (Psa. 23:2). The "rich pasture" signifies not only physical abundance but also spiritual richness and fulfillment. Genuine rest flows from His presence, not from favorable circumstances alone.
Bind up the broken – shepherds would tend to the wounds of their sheep; thus this symbolizes God’s care and compassion towards the healing and restoration His people. God’s shepherding includes tending the hurts caused by sin, exile, and personal failure.
Strengthen the sick - indicates God's empowerment and support for those who are vulnerable. God does more than just keep them alive; weak sheep are lifted so they can walk again.
God’s shepherding includes another attribute that can appear contrary to the “shepherd” trait; however, it is strongly associated. It is God’s treatment of the proud; those who are self-reliant and oppressive, leaders and people who use power for themselves often at the expense of others. God will demonstrate His authority by bringing them down.

Summary

A complete portrait of the LORD as the perfect Shepherd has been fully revealed in Jesus - the one true Good Shepherd (John 10:11-16). Every action flows from His just, compassionate character which pursues the lost, gathers the straying, mends the broken, strengthens the weak, confronts the arrogant, and rules with unwavering justice. He is the hands-on Shepherd who personally tends His people, grants them secure rest, and seals the assurance with His unchanging word. Jesus provides all that we need spiritually to sustain and satisfy us. In Him joy is abundant, life is eternal, and salvation is complete. We can anchor our faith in His spoken word, expecting full realization because the character of the Lord GOD guarantees it. If you have not chosen to follow Christ, I urge you to place your faith and trust in the love of the Good Shepherd today.

May the love, peace, and grace of God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord be with you!

08/15/2026

Ladies' Bible Clas
Saturday August 15, 2026
Proverbs 27:4

08/09/2026

Sunday School
Lesson subject: God Reconciles His People
Lesson text: Jeremiah 31:1-14