Daily Blast - Minor Prophets: Day 2
Scripture
“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.”
Reflection
At the start of this book, it is clear that the Israelites have sunken into disrepute. Their civilisation has become corrupted, people appear oblivious about wrongdoing and have turned their backs away from God. However, within this sordid mess, there is Hosea, a godly man who still seeks to have a relationship with God.
Throughout chapter 1 and for much of chapter 2, a picture is painted of the unfaithful character of Gomer (Hosea’s wife whom God instructed him to marry). Whilst she is still a character in this story, she is also an embodiment of the tainted Israelite society. In these passages, the reader is made to sympathise with Hosea as Gomer appears to move from man to man, swindling the provision that her husband has provided for her. In Hosea 2:2-13, God’s voice speaks of how others within the society would not blame Hosea if he were to punish Gomer for her actions by stripping her of her earthly possessions and publicly shaming her on the streets. However, God does not instruct Hosea to do this. On the contrary, God tells Hosea to welcome Gomer back time and time again showing mercy upon Gomer for her sinful actions. This reflects God’s mercy for the Israelites: even though the Israelites have abandoned God and will continue to worship idols for many more years to come, God will continue to show them mercy.
God’s mercy and love for His people is also symbolised through Hosea and Gomer’s three children. Upon birth, God instructed Hosea to name his children: Jezreel – a reminder of the murders former King Jehu committed; Lo-ruhamah – meaning ‘not loved’ and; Lo-ammi – meaning ‘not my people’. These names symbolise the separation between the Israelites and God. Yet, in Hosea 2:1, God speaks of how the land of the Israelites will be rejuvenated and those who are unloved and not His people will become loved and His people once again. This once more shows Gods love, patience and mercy for us all.
Challenge
For the challenge today, I would like you to pray thanks to God for His unending mercy towards us all even though at times we don’t deserve it