Day 201 – Hosea 1-7

Talking Points

• Hosea is a difficult book to read, and it is supposed to be. We should get the idea that God was trying to get His people’s attention. The shocking testimony of Hosea taking an adulterous wife, loving and caring for her, and then watching her return to adultery is intended to be attention-grabbing, if not jaw-dropping. The truth of God’s grace is to be equally astounding.
• As many try and explain Hosea away as being symbolic or a parable, we should hold it as an actual, historical account. In the same way that Isaiah was to live three years dressed as a prisoner as a visible message of God’s coming judgment, Hosea’s sad life with Gomer also served as a clear depiction of God’s message.
• Gomer’s actions are a profound commentary on how Israel treated God. After rejecting Him and worshiping other gods, after dishonoring His name and finding itself worse off, Israel says, “I will go back to my first husband, For it was better for me then than now!” (2:7). Instead of being loyal to God in cherished commitment, the rebellious, selfish people of Israel use Him as a backup plan.

Thoughts

As we read this account, it fills us with uneasiness — uneasiness in the sordid tale of betrayal and rejection of the worst kind. Maybe the story of the sweetest love being rejected hurts our hearts. Maybe there are twinges of guilt because of how we have treated God at times, no differently than this. We run and we play, we serve our selfish desires, and then, when our lot is hard, when our hearts are broken, we return like nothing is wrong. It is kind of sickening.

In the fourth chapter, God declares, “My people are destroyed for a lack of knowledge” (4:6). I know this means a knowledge of God’s commands, His ordinances, and ultimately, His Word. That was true then, and is still true today. But, I believe it includes something more, something else revealed in His Word. They also lacked a knowledge of God’s character, His grace, and His mercy. A knowledge of His kindness, provision, and gentle care. A knowledge of His love — His deep, deep love. You see, if they (and we) really knew those things, really knew, the false things of a sinful world become desperately pale in comparison.

Lord, help us to know Your love. Help us to know You, and to flee from the worthless things the world has to offer.