Through the Bible: HoseaSample

I Am, I Do…I Will

But they do not consider that I remember all their evil. Now their deeds surround them; they are before my face. Hosea 7:2

After two days he will revive us; on the third day he will raise us up, that we may live before him.Let us know; let us press on to know the Lord;his going out is sure as the dawn;he will come to us as the showers,as the spring rains that water the earth. Hosea 6:2-3

For I desire steadfast love (hesed) and not sacrifice,the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings. Hosea 6:6

Prophet Hosea lived out a tangible testimony that God is relational, relevant, and personally intimate. The Hebrew word “hesed” is the covenantal love with steadfast commitment, for love without commitment is passion without action. Hosea could have had his promiscuous wife Gomer stoned under the law, but where sin abounds, grace abounds all the more. Hosea probably still remembered his “I Do” vow and continued to love Gomer no matter what.

Man can easily deceive himself while in sin as if God isn’t there or He would overlook, be unconcerned and forget. Jesus assures us that nothing concealed will not be known before God. Gomer had a chance to return to her husband-redeemer after indulging herself in the nakedness of sin and shame. Today, we also have a chance to return to God, for Christ, our Redeemer, has borne the nakedness of our sin and shame on the cross.

The Great I Am still remembers His covenant, saying to anyone who returns to Him, “I Do and I Will always love you.”

Prayer

Jesus, You said, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.” Your jealousy isn’t concerning Your falling short, but ours. You know us better than we know ourselves. Wonderful Jesus, the perfector of love, help us to know You more. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.