Hosea is an uncomfortable book. It is the story of a prophet of God who marries a prostitute. It is the story of Israel and Judah’s spiritual unfaithfulness. It is the story of how my sin separates me from God. And yet, in the midst of our own unfaithfulness, we learn more of God’s love.
He seeks us even when we have been unfaithful to him.
And the Lord said to me, “Go again, love a woman who is loved by another man and is an adulteress, even as the Lord loves the children of Israel, though they turn to other gods and love cakes of raisins.” ~ Hosea 3:1
but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. ~ Romans 5:8
He can and does pay the price to bring me back.
So I bought her for fifteen shekels of silver and a homer and a lethech of barley. ~ Hosea 3:2
In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace ~ Ephesians 1:7
He expects me to live differently.
And I said to her, “You must dwell as mine for many days. You shall not play the whore, or belong to another man; so will I also be to you.” ~ Hosea 3:3
As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct ~ 1 Peter 1:14-15
Just like Israel, we too often love the wrong things. We turn from the Lord who loves us to vain idols and crass practices. And yet, the same God who longed for Israel to return to him also longs for our return. He keeps calling us back to him.
The question is, will you come?
The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. ~ 2 peter 3:9
Photo by Roman Kraft on Unsplash
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