Scripture
At the place where they were told, “You are not my people”, it will be said, “You are children of the living God.”
Observation
The lord tells Hosea to marry a prostitute in order to show that Israel has acted like a prostitute in following other gods.
So Hosea marries Gomer and has three children whom he names Jezreel, Not-loved and Not-my-people.
Even in these prophetic judgements there is the word of grace that promises a time of hope and restoration for Israel.
Application
This chapter raises so many issues. God tells a prophet to marry a prostitute and then to saddle his children with terrible names.
It seems that Hosea has to almost literally die to all of his personal ambitions in life to fulfil the Lord's demands on him.
Sometimes to follow the way of the Lord means heartbreak, loneliness and separation from others. Yet the rewards are there if we remain faithful.
For all that we give up God returns a hundred fold in other ways. But still following the ways of the Lord is not always easy.
Prayer
Thank you Lord for Hosea. Thank you for his faithfulness to you, a witness even today. Amen.
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