SCRIPTURE: HOSEA 1
INTRODUCTION:
Prophet Hosea preached in the northern kingdom under the reign of Jeroboam when the nation was prospering outwardly but decaying inwardly and facing judgment. God commanded Hosea to marry Gomer, who was an unfaithful wife. She bore him children and deserted him to become a prostitute. Despite of her unfaithfulness, Hosea still loved her and bought her back out of the slave market.
This is a picture of Israel’s unfaithfulness to God. Israel was married to Jehovah but committed “spiritual adultery” by turning to idols. Instead of giving thanks to God for the many blessings, the Israelites used their crops as offering to idols. The nation suffered for her sins but the Lord would one day redeem and restore her back. God’s love is tender, loyal, unchanging and undying. No matter how sinful we are, God still loves us. He may discipline us but he will forgive those who will repent.
HOSEA’S WIFE AND CHILDREN (vs. 2-10)
THE THREE CHILDREN OF GOMER AND ITS MEANING:
- Jezreel – God will punish the house of Jehu for the massacre at Jezreel, put an end for the kingdom of Israel and break Israel’s bow in the Valley of Jezreel. (v. 5)
- Lo-Ruhamah – God will no longer show love to the house of Israel nor forgive them. But will show love to the house of Judah and save them. (vs. 6-7)
- Lo-Ammi – God said: “You are not my people and I am not your God” (v. 9)
THOUGHTS:
Hosea’s role was to show how the people of the northern kingdom had been unfaithful to God, their husband and provider. They had married themselves to Baal and the gods of Canaan. Hosea warned them to repent their sins otherwise they were headed for destruction. Hosea spoke of God’s characteristics as powerful, loving and just. His marriage to an unfaithful wife illustrated God’s relationship to the unfaithful nation of Israel.
Hosea may not want to marry a woman who would be unfaithful to him. But he obeyed. If God asks you to do something difficult and extraordinary, how will you respond? Will you obey despite knowing that it would benefit only those you serve and not you personally?