READING FOR MARCH 3, 2026: HOSEA 12, MATHEW 22, PSALM 16:7-11 HOSEA 12 This chapter weaves the story of Jacob, the father of the 12 tribes, together with the current and future situation of both Israel and Judah. At the outset, the northern king- dom, expressed as Ephraim, is described as seeking dubious alliances (i.e. chasing the wind) and economic deals with Assyria and Egypt. The implication is they are doing this instead of trusting God. Judah is also mentioned as not following God sufficiently. Then the text states that Jacob will be punished according to his deeds. This refers both back to what happened to the historical forefather of these nations, Jacob, and what will happen to Israel and Judah.
The text reminds us that Jacob was a schemer from the womb, in that he grabbed Esau’s heel. As an adult he fled from Esau after tricking him and wrestled with God at Bethel. He succeeded in receiving a blessing from God. This action serves as a message centuries later to Israel and Judah and to us at Yorktown Methodist Church to seek direction and blessing from God, not the godless sources of wisdom that surround us in our post-Christian world, as the godless nations surrounded Israel and Judah at this time.
May we wait for God continually in prayer and obedience to His word. Ephraim/Israel instead denied that they were sinners and needed repentance. They continued in their self-help approach to life, ignoring God’s word to them. How will that turn for them, or for us? God said He will turn back the clock on them to the time they were wandering in the desert. The dis- grace they brought for failing to heed the prophets’ words of the Lord will be brought back to them. This disgrace also comes back to us should we fail to heed God’s word: “Everyone who hears these words of Mine [Jesus], and does not act on them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. And the rain fell and the floods came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; and it fell—and its collapse was great” (Matt. 7:26-27).
MATTHEW 22 Jesus compares the kingdom of heaven to a king throwing a wedding feast for his son. This corresponds to the marriage supper of the Lamb (Jesus) and his bride (the church, Eph. 5:25-27) in heaven (Rev.19:6-9). Notice, again Jesus infers his initial invitation was to the Jews, perhaps especially the religious leadership. The king (God the Father) stressed the extreme preparation that took place—in this case the cross of Christ. Those invited refused to attend and followed their normal routine, just as folks often do today upon hearing the Gospel. The king responded by destroying them with fire—as the Bible repeatedly warns that there will be a cost for rejecting Jesus. Yet, because of their rejection, the invitation was extended much more broadly—likely referring to the Gentiles (Rom. 11:11). A final warning is given to those not properly dressed for the wedding. Galatians 3:26-27 states," For all are sons
READINGS FOR MARCH 3, 2026 CONTINUED: MATTHEW 22, PSALM 16:7-11 of God through faith in Christ Jesus, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves in Christ.” JESUS IS THE ONLY WAY TO HEAVEN.
Jesus’s interaction with the Pharisees and Herodians once again confirmed that followers of Jesus need not forsake their civic responsibilities, even toward a Roman government that eventually persecuted Christians. This stands in contrast to the so called “liberation theology” popular among some Central American Marxists in the late 20th century. Abraham Kuyper’s concept of “sphere sovereignty” or differentiated responsibility appears to fit this text better.
Next up, the Sadducees take a crack at Jesus. They raised an extreme example of Old Testament levirate marriages to ridicule the prospect of life after death. Jesus’s response included some key information about heaven: 1) there will be no married partners; 2) people will be like angels in this respect and; 3) we will be alive but still will be totally distinct and subject to God. Lastly an expert of the Law tested Jesus with this question: “Which is the great commandment in the Law?” Jesus responded, loving God and loving neighbor. As with almost all scripture, even this response has been misunderstood. One popular Christian singer, recently featured in a Washington Post article, suggested that if she followed these two commandments her own way, she did not need to obey the rest of the Bible. Certainly, Jesus meant that we love God and love neighbor precisely by obeying the Bible in totality.
PSALM 16:7-11 In verse 7 David commits to “blessing the Lord who has counseled him.” It is puzzling if one really thinks about our blessing God. When God blesses us, we are made better off than we were before by His blessing. God cannot be made better. He always exists in a state of perfection or blessedness. Perhaps our blessing acknowledges His perfection as a form of praise. Another example: “And you shall eat and be full, and you shall bless the Lord your God for the good land he has given you” (Deut. 8:10). Here the context suggests blessing the Lord is offering thanksgiving. The context in Psalm 16 could have either or both meanings.
Verse 10 says “Neither wilt thou allow Thy Holy One to undergo decay.” Question: Who is this Holy One. Answer: Jesus! Let Paul’s glorious words from Act 13 inspire you: “Therefore, He also says in another Psalm: ‘You will not allow Your Holy One to undergo decay.’ For David, after he had served God’s purpose in his own generation, fell asleep, and was buried among his fathers and underwent decay; but He whom God raised did not undergo decay. Therefore, let it be known to you, brothers, that through Him forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you, and through Him everyone who believes is freed from all things.”
God’s Presence. If one Googles the word “pleasures,” strangely, most of results are about men’s clothing. The Bible’s result is much better. Consider the words of King David: “In Thy presence is fullness of joy; in Thy right hand there are pleasures forever” (Psalm 16: 11). Don’t settle for a pricey hoodie. Go all in with God for fullness of joy that will never end.
