Hosea is told to marry a whore, a prostitute, Gomer. She definitely does not fit the description of what the wife of a prophet should look like, but Hosea marries her and has three children. She is redeemed for a price (rescued, purchased) and loved by Hosea. Hosea chooses to obey God and as far as we know, he loved his wife with all his heart, despite her past. Even though Israel continually strays from God by seeking out and creating idols, God still chooses to love His children. He is hoping that Hosea’s life is an example for Israel to follow. His heart is conflicted between the just consequences of their behavior and lavishing love on them. God’s description of how He wants to love us in Hosea is beautiful, He wants to be our beloved. He wants to chase after us like a lover seeks to spend time with their beloved, He wants to speak softly to us, to give us peace and safety within Him, to show us what unfailing love and compassion look like. Israel tossed out His love, seeking idols. What do we seek here and now? Do we crave to spend time with Him, allowing Him to lavish His love on us? Or do we chase after earthly treasures? God graciously offers us the opportunity to forgive our sins, because He loves us, not because He has to. I don’t know about you, but I want to be loved and wrapped up in the protective arms of my Creator.
Passage:
Hosea
Discovered:
- Lord told Hosea to take a wife, a prostitute and have children – as Israel was committing adultery against God -> married Gomer.
- had a son named Jezreel, I will punish Jehu for Jezreel
- had a daughter, No Mercy: I will have no mercy on Israel
- another son: Not My People: for you are not my people
- Lord: I will punish Israel for chasing after other.
- I will woo Israel, speak tenderly to her, I will be her husband and she will forget other gods and I will keep her safe.
- Hosea redeems his wife for silver and barley. He is to love her, just as the Lord loves his wayward children, Israel.
- God sees no faithfulness or love from Israel, all stumble: worship idols, commit adultery and whore themselves out.
- Lord tells Judah not to be like Israel.
- Priests and Kings would face judgement or leading Israel and Judah astray
- Israel and Judah: let us repent.
- God’s reply: your love and repentance are short lived, like the morning dew.
- Lord: I want to heal Israel, but they are rotten and do not seek me. They look everywhere but me for help: Assyria and Egypt.
- I will discipline/punish them for their evil actions.
- Israel will reap the consequences of their evil, for they have forgotten their God.
- Hosea: you, Israel will face punishment: small harvests and hunger, will return to Egypt or go to Assyria, they will have no children.
- God has rejected Israel for not listening to Him.
- With their wealth, Israel builds altars for false gods.
- Israel is prosperous, but they grow sin, harvest wickedness and trust in their truth.
- Lord: I will discipline Israel, the nations will gather against them.
- Even though I have loved Israel, rescued them from Egypt, they ignore my calls, choosing to chase after idols.
- Lord: my heart hurts, conflicted, but I will not destroy Israel and someday they will come home to me.
- The Lord is about to punish Israel and Judah for turning away from Him. He will make them live in tents, just as when they left Egypt.
- The people of Israel will disappear like the morning dew, be devoured by lions.
- opposite of what God was to them previously – constant protector.
- Israel repent of your sins, cast away your idols.
- Lord: I will forgive your sin and you will flourish and blossom under my care.
- The upright walk in the ways of the Lord, but the wicked trip on them.
Help me to remember:
not to create and worship idols, to only walk in your ways, Lord.
Lord, I ask that . . .
You will make me your wife forever, showing me righteousness and justice, unfailing love and compassion.
(Hosea 2:19 -> flipped to be said by me)
Heavenly Father, I am thankful for . . .
that You forgive my sins, and have the opportunity to flourish under Your love.
