Christ Apostle Church Sunday School Lesson June 22, 2025, Lesson 23 : Title - God Prepares Old Testament Prophets For Leadership (III)

Christ Apostle Church Sunday School Lesson June 22, 2025, Lesson 23 : Title - God Prepares Old Testament Prophets For Leadership (III)

Theme : PREPARING GOD'S PEOPLE for LEADERSHIP

Unit 3: Leadership Preparation In The Old Testament (II)*

Topic: GOD PREPARES OLD TESTAMENT PROPHETS FOR LEADERSHIP (III)

Memory Scripture 

*When the LORD began to speak by Hosea, the LORD said to Hosea: "Go, take yourself a wife of harlotry and children of harlotry, for the land has committed great harlotry by departing from the LORD" (Hosea 1:2).*

God equips those He calls, like Hosea and Joel, showing His transformative power in preparing leaders for their roles

1. BRIEF COMMENT

One of the ways by which God prepares and equips His vessels is by giving them instructions and guidance. In carrying out the instructions, His purpose is achieved, and the vessel himself understands God's ways and moves the more, preparing such person for more leadership and ministerial exploits in the future. Most times, God does not give another instruction to a man who has not yet carried out the last one. An experience of walking with God and becoming better in Him largely includes receiving and promptly carrying out His instructions. How many instructions from the Lord have you carried out? Are you one of His obedient servants, both in pleasure and in pain? Selah!

DEVOTIONAL BIBLE READINGS

Mon. 16: Elisha Follows Elijah (1 Kgs. 19:19-20)

Tue. 17: Elisha Leaves Everything (1 Kgs. 19:21)

Wed. 18: Elisha Follows Elijah To Bethel (2 Kgs. 2:1-3)

Thur. 19: Elisha Follows Elijah to Jericho (2 Kgs. 2:4-5)

Fri. 20: Elisha Follows Elijah to the Jordan (2 Kgs. 2:6)

Sat. 21: Elisha Receives Double Anointing (2 Kgs. 2:7-15)

*2. DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS

1. Obedience to divine instructions is one of the major ways by which God equips and prepares people for successful leadership.

2. Many times, God chooses to take us through experiences that equip us with a larger capacity for better and successful leadership, though we may not understand immediately.

*3. BACKGROUND* SCRIPTURE: 1 Samuel 17:33-37

*4. AIM AND OBJECTIVES*

AIM: To show that divine guidance and personal experiences are essential in how God prepares His chosen instruments.

OBJECTIVES: By the end of this lesson, learners should be able to:

1. discuss the unique way by which God prepared Hosea for leadership among His people, and

2. point out wholesome obedience through Hosea's life and experience.

INTRODUCTION

TEXTUAL SOURCE: Hosea 1:2-3; 2:14-3:3; 6:3; Joel 1:1-7; 2:2,4,15; 3:1,18-21

We give praise and adoration to God once again for the eternal benefits He daily provides through His Word. May His name be forever exalted. Amen!

God has been graciously leading us through a specific series, titled: "God Prepares Old Testament Prophets for Leadership," intended for both leadership guidance and the edification of His people. In the first part of the series, we witnessed how God prepared Isaiah and Jeremiah, and in the second part, we saw His unique preparation of Ezekiel, Daniel, and his companions for similar leadership roles.

This week, our focus turns to Hosea and Joel as we delve deeper into their lives. God is poised to reveal His insights to us on this matter. Are you prepared to receive His wisdom?

*5. AUTHORSHIP AND BACKGROUND OF THE BOOKS*

A. THE BOOK OF HOSEA

The Book of Hosea, attributed to the prophet Hosea, is one of the prophetic books in the Old Testament of the Bible. Hosea is believed to have been written by the prophet himself, who lived during the 8th century BCE in the northern kingdom of Israel. The book contains messages and prophecies delivered by Hosea, focusing on themes of covenant infidelity, repentance, and restoration. Hosea's personal life, particularly his marriage to an unfaithful wife, serves as a metaphor for God's relationship with Israel, highlighting the consequences of disobedience and the promise of forgiveness and reconciliation through divine grace. The Book of Hosea provides valuable insights into the spiritual and moral challenges faced by ancient Israel and offers timeless lessons on faithfulness, redemption, and the enduring love of God.

B. THE BOOK OF JOEL

Authorship and Date:

This book is traditionally attributed to Joel, the son of Pethuel (1:1). While guides scholars in dating the book, Scholars have proposed various dates, which fall into three main categories:

1. Early pre-exilic date.

2 Late pre-exilic date.

3 Postezilic date.

Outline:

Introduction (1:1)

The Locust Plague (1:2-20)

III. The Coming Day of the Lord (2:1-11)

IV. A Renewed Call to Repentance (2:12-17)

V. Forgiveness and restoration (2:18-27)

LESSON OUTLINE

1. HOSEA'S PREPARATION

11. JOEL'S PREPARATION

LESSON EXPOSITION

1. HOSEA'S PREPARATION (Hosea 1:2-3;2:14-3:3;6:3)

The Word of God that came to Hosea the son of Beeri, in the days of Uzziah Jotham, Ahaz and Hezekiah, kings of Judah, and in the days of Jeroboam the son of Joash, king of Israel (1:1).

a) 1:1: God chose and equipped Hosea during a period of turmoil and idol worship, commissioning him to communicate His messages.

b) v. 2: When God instructed him to marry a harlot in order to preach against Israel's adultery, it was a unique and challenging task but portrayed God's sovereignty (cf. Psa. 115:3).

c) vv.2-9: God loaded him with the needed insights and visions to convey the divine messages with clarity and authority.

d) vv. 4-5,8-9: God gave Hosea's children names to signify warning of impending judgement upon Israel. How has God been preparing you?

e) 2:14-3-3: The experiences God took him through fostered empathy in him, enhancing his ability to convey God's message. Amidst his tumultuous marriage, Hosea gained insight into God's enduring love and forgiveness.

f. 63: Hosea's obedience shows an example of one who has been genuinely discipled, thus facilitating his growth and endurance in the journey.

g) Hosen's life illustrat6es the importance of surrendering to God's preparation, leading to limitless potential in leadership and spiritual growth

II. JOEL'S PREPARATION (Joel 1:1-7; 2:2,4,15:3:1,18-21) The word of the LORD that come to Joel the son of Pethuel (1:1)

a) 11: joel's name meaning "Jehovah is God" suggests his upbringing in a home that honoured God. Added to this are his priestly references (1:9,13.14;2:17) that indicate prior training and experience in the

things of God. b) 2:15; 3:1: Despite rebellion and idolatry in ludah and Jerusalem, joel's steadfast relationship with God shows his cooperation with divine preparation and preservation.

c) 1:1-3: He received divine inspiration and visions, preparing him to proclaim God's intentions to Judah and Jerusalem, prior to Jeremiah, against prevailing godlessness

d) 1:4-7: 2:24: Joel, having been prepared as God's vessel and mouthpiece, announced impending judgement greater than ever experienced. Only God's prepared vessel can speak for Him effectively.

e) 3:18: God utilised Joel's agricultural understanding through rigorous farming seasons as part of his preparation for prophetic leadership roles

f) v. 20-21: Joel's prophecy left a lasting legacy of God's faithfulness and sovereignty, Inspiring future generations to trust in God's promises and follow His ways.

g) Joel was indeed prepared by the Lord, whose name he bore, and appainted by Him to prophesy during the times of the Gentiles, covering the period from Nebuchadnezzar to the Antichrist. What is God preparing you for?

LESSONS DERIVED

1. Like Hosea, trust in God's sovereignty amid challenges, allowing Him to prepare you for His purposes through unique experiences.

2. Follow Joel's example by honouring God and seeking His guidance, even in turbulent times, to fulfil His purpose for your life.

QUESTIONS

1. And what significance does each name of Hosea's children have in mievance to the divine preparation of Hosea for his ministry to God's people?

2. How was Joel prepared for prophetic leadership, and what are the implications for Christians today?

*6. SUGGESTED ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS*

ANSWERS TO QUESTION 1

The names of Hosea's children hold significant meaning in relation to Husen's divine preparation for his ministry:

Jezreel (Hos. 1:4) means "God sows" or "God scatters." It symbolises God's Judgement upon the house of Jehu for the bloodshed at Jezreel and the

La-Ruhamah (1:6) means "not loved" or "no mercy." It represents God's withdrawal of His mercy and love from Israel due to their persistent rebellion and idolatry.

Lo-Ammi (1:9) means "not my people." It signifies the severance of the covenant relationship between God and Israel because of their unfaithfulness.

These names serve as prophetic symbols of Israel's spiritual condition and impending judgement.

They signify Hosea's role as a messenger of God's righteous judgement and impending restoration.

They reflect his divine preparation to convey God's message to His people with profound symbolism and clarity.

ANSWERS TO QUESTION 2

Refer to part 1.

Joel was divinely called and commissioned (Joel 1:1-3), laying the foundation for his prophetic leadership.

His historical and cultural background all worked in God's hands to

prepare him for God's purpose. God prepared him through personal experiences

Implications for Christians Today:

Christians can learn from Joel's obedience to divine commission and vision, recognising God's specific call on their lives.

Joel's emphasis on repentance and spiritual renewal highlights the importance of personal holiness and revival in the Christian walk.

His foresight regarding the outpouring of the Holy Spirit encourages Christions to anticipate God's ongoing work and empowerment in their lives.

Joel's urgent call to prepare for the Day of the Lord serves as a reminder for Christians to live in readiness and anticipation of Christ's return.

Christians can find hope in Joel's message of restoration, trusting in God's faithfulness and sovereignty in the midst of trials and challenges.

7. LIFE APPLICATION

well-prepared leader only seeks to glorify God in all he does, and not self. God prepares His vessels is vessels to carry out His divine purpose, not their self-will. What instruction has He given to you? And, how well are you carrying it out? One of the ways to show your preparedness and maturity is by absolute obedience. Shalom!

8. Conclusion 

In the school of preparation, carrying out the Master's purpose is non-negotiable. God wants to showcase only His prepared vessels who will lead His people to do His will and carry out His purpose, and not theirs. Are you one of such?