GOMER

Because of Jonah’s visit to Nineveh, the Assyrians (Israel’s great nemesis) were more focused on God than on war, for a while. So at last, Israel experienced a time of peace and comfort. And although all of this sounds like great news, sadly for Israel, it meant a moral & spiritual decline. All of a sudden they experienced unknown wealth; their gentile neighbors became their friends; and time with God became optional, instead of a lifestyle. The rich started getting richer, the poor became poorer, and the justice system became a corrupt network of ‘who knows who’.

During this time, there was a prostitute named Gomer, in the northern region of Samaria. Most men probably desired her with lustful eyes, and most women probably despised her because of their own suspicion as well as her past. Conveniently, the people of Israel remembered the law regarding dishonoring your body, but they forgot to love the Lord their God. Yet, one man showed up in obedience to God’s word and married this prostitute. One man realized that Gomer was worthy of love, worthy of admiration, and worthy of respect. And despite her adulterous nature, that one man – Hosea – still deemed her worthy of redemption, and worthy of complete restoration.

Jesus Christ is our Hosea. And just like the unworthy Gomer, we are His bride. Worthy of salvation.

About a year ago I read Francine Rivers’ book, Redeeming Love, based on the story of Gomer & Hosea. And throughout the book I was so frustrated with Gomer’s unwillingness to receive unconditional love, and yet, so captivated by Hosea’s obedience to keep on loving her. And maybe my disappointment with Gomer was partly due to the fact that I could see us – the bride of Christ – playing the harlot. Because somewhere in life we’ve all wandered off, allowing our lives to spin out of control, making the wrong choices, making excuses, and sometimes even refusing God to comfort and love us. And yet, Jesus keeps on stretching out His loving arms, inviting us to come back, no matter what. God’s faithfulness towards us, is proof of His unconditional love for us.

Maybe you are in a place in your life where you feel disappointed with yourself, sad about life, and depressed about your circumstances. Then know that Jesus Christ is your Hosea, your Redeemer that was willing to pay the highest price for you. The Lover of your soul, who invites you back into a relationship with Him.  And just like the name Gomer means “to complete”, allow God to bring to perfection the work that He already started in your life.

Written by Yolandi Wirth for Women of the Word

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