Series: Longing
December 01, 2024 | Sanjay Merchant
Passage: Hosea 3:5
The new sermon series focuses on the "longing" for a coming King, exploring the prophecies of the Old Testament, specifically through the lenses of Hosea and Isaiah, and their messages about this promised King. These prophets, from the 8th century BC, speak of an "Anointed One"—the Messiah (or Christ)—who would fulfill God's promises to His people. In Hosea 3, the prophet uses the metaphor of Hosea's troubled marriage to Gomer to illustrate Israel's unfaithfulness to God and their coming period of exile. Despite their sin, God promises redemption, symbolized by Hosea's eventual reconciliation with Gomer, pointing to the future return of the Israelites to their God and the coming of a perfect descendant of David, a new King, who would restore their relationship with God.
Isaiah 11 expands on this vision, prophesying a new King from the "stump of Jesse" (David's father), who will embody God's spirit, wisdom, righteousness, and judgment. This King is both a descendant (the shoot) and the origin (the root) of David, signifying a divine ruler who will bring peace and justice. The passage emphasizes that this King will be unlike previous leaders, who often led Israel astray into pagan practices, instead faithfully embodying God's character. The ultimate fulfillment of these prophecies is seen in the New Testament, where Jesus is revealed as the true Messiah, fulfilling both the legal and biological lines of David, and offering the eternal kingship promised in 2 Samuel 7.
Through these prophecies, the series highlights the longing for a true, righteous King who will bring peace, justice, and restoration, ultimately pointing to Jesus Christ as the fulfillment of God's promises to Israel and the world.
Series Information
From the very first promise of a Messiah in Genesis 3:15 to the miraculous arrival of Jesus on that first Christmas, God’s people lived with a deep, aching longing. They waited through generations, clinging to hope, trusting in the faithfulness of God.
Today, we find ourselves in a similar season of waiting—longing for the return of Jesus, our Savior and King. Yet Christmas reminds us of a profound truth: God always keeps His promises. The same God who sent His Son into the world will one day send Him again to restore all things.
This holy longing should ignite something within us. It should awaken a steadfast trust in the One who came to save and will come again in glory. Let the waiting inspire us to live with bold faith, unshakable hope, and a heart fully surrendered to Jesus. The promise is sure—He will return.
