Day 167 – Hosea: Introduction

“Then the Lord said to me, ‘Go and love your wife again, even though she commits adultery with another lover. This will illustrate that the Lord still loves Israel, even though the people have turned to other gods and love to worship them.” Hosea 3:1 NLT

Groomsmen stand at attention as the music swells and the bride begins her long walk down the aisle, arm in arm with her father. The smiling but nervous husband-to-be watches every step, his eyes brimming with love. Then happy tears are shed, vows stated, and families merged. A wedding is a joyous celebration of love. It is the holy mystery of two becoming one, of beginning life together, and of commitment. Marriage is ordained by God and illustrates his relationship with his people. Thus, the violation of the sacred vows of marriage is a great tragedy.

God told Hosea to marry a prostitute and revealed to him ahead of time that she would be unfaithful to him. Although she would bear children, some of these offspring would likely be fathered by others. In obedience to God, Hosea married Gomer. His relationship with her, her adultery, and their children became living prophetic examples to Israel.

The book of Hosea is a love story – real, tragic, and true. Transcending the tale of young and wife, it tells of God’s love for his people and the response of his “bride”. A covenant had been made, and God had been faithful. His love was steadfast and his commitment unbroken. But Israel, like Gomer, was adulterous and unfaithful, spurning God’s love and turning instead to false gods. Then, after warning of judgment, God reaffirmed his love and offered reconciliation. His love and mercy were overflowing, but justice would be served.

Prayer: Father, thank You that You gave us these prophecies through the physical representation of Hosea’s story and that Your love and faithfulness are as constant as You are. Amen.