Wednesday, October 1, 2014

Truth in Hosea

An Innocent Husband and an Immoral Wife: Hosea and Gomer (chapters 1-3). We see six different events occurring which will serve us well in growing our relationship with Christ. Read Hosea 1:1-9.
1. The command (1:1-2) God orders Hosea to marry a prostitute. This symbolized Israel’s adultery and un faithfulness against God.
2. The children (1:3-9): Jezreel (scattered), Lo-ruhamah (not loved), Lo-ammi (not my people). These names represent the people’s attitude towards God and a warning that it could become God’s attitude towards His people.
Read Hosea 2:1-6
3. The corruption (2:2) Gomer becomes an adulterous wife. This represents Israel’s unfaithfulness, broken relationship, vows, and covenant with God.
4. The chastisement (2:3-5) God says He will severely punish Gomer/Israel if she does not repent. We must turn from sin and turn to God. It’s not about just being sorry, but desiring to change.
5. The confinement (2:6) Tries to stop her from returning to immoral ways but all to no avail. Some people are just Hell bent. They focus on their self and sin not God’s glory. Look at verse 7. What were they chasing?
Read Hosea 3:1-3

6. The compassion (3:1-3) Because of His great love for her even in spite of her sin Hosea purchases Gomer/Israel from the sex slave market. He paid the price. This symbolic of God’s great love for His people whom He gives mercy, forgiveness, grace, and deliverance. He gave us a Savior. From that time on Jesus began to preach, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” Matthew 4:17
Pray today for forgiveness and for the strength to truly repent.