Faithful: A Study in HoseaSample

What does it say?

Under the instruction of the Lord, the prophet Hosea married Gomer and had children.

What does it mean?

The book of Hosea beautifully pictures God’s redeeming love for Israel. Hosea’s family life was a living illustration of the covenant relationship between God and Israel. The Lord knowingly sent His prophet into a marriage that would cause heartache through Gomer’s unfaithfulness – just as God foreknew Israel would prove unfaithful to Him. The names of Gomer’s children reflect the judgment, distance, and lack of affection that had come to characterize Israel’s relationship with the Lord. However, God’s covenant promises to Abraham are not conditional or irrevocable (Gen. 12:1-3). He will keep His promise to bless Israel, restoring His people to their land and Himself.

How should I respond?

The relationship between Christ and the church is pictured throughout the New Testament as a bride and groom. As believers, we have entered into a covenant relationship with the Lord (Eph. 2:11-22). Although the permanence of the relationship is never in question, you may sometimes feel distant from Him. Jesus never withdraws from us; some form of rebellion on our part is always to blame. What words currently describe your relationship with Christ? What might be in the way of experiencing His tender affection? God is ever faithful, even when our fidelity to Him falters.