God of JusticeUddrag

Stay faithful to God

This verse is part of a passionate message that the prophet Hosea delivered to the people of Israel. You could even say that this verse summarises the book of Hosea, emphasising the importance of justice within the very troubled context of a covenantal relationship between God and His people – a relationship where God is rock solid and the Israelites are constantly missing the mark.

Throughout the book, Hosea passionately confronted Israel’s unfaithfulness and idolatry that had led to social injustices and moral decay within the society. Hosea used a powerful and personally harrowing experience to illustrate this – through marital infidelity. Hosea married a prostitute named Gomer, who continued to be unfaithful, to illustrate the spiritual adultery of Israel who had forsaken their covenant with God and had gone on to worship false gods and pursue selfish desires. In this verse, Hosea calls for repentance and restoration, urging the people to return to God and uphold justice. Justice, in the context of Hosea, encompasses both righteousness and compassion. It involves living in alignment with God’s law and treating others with fairness and kindness, especially the marginalised and oppressed.

True devotion to God requires both a sincere love for Him and a commitment to righteous living and social justice. As the people wait for God, they are called to embody His love and justice in their lives, reflecting the covenantal relationship between God and His people.

Now, as we wait for Jesus to return, let us return to Him. Let us sincerely love Him and commit to righteous living and social justice.

Written by AARON WRIGHT