Faithful: A Study in HoseaSample

What does it say?

The Lord rebuked Israel as His unfaithful wife. After a time of judgment, He will restore their covenant and say, “You are my people,” and they will say, “You are my God.”

What does it mean?

With Hosea’s marriage as the backdrop, the Lord charged Israel with adultery. The wording resembles a legal proceeding. In this courtroom, God was the wronged spouse, prosecutor, and judge. Israel pursued false gods, attributing her provision and protection to Baal rather than the Lord. The legal illustration stops short of a divorce proceeding as God called them to repent and mercifully laid out a plan to restore their covenant relationship. Israel’s disobedience caused them to temporarily forfeit the intimacy of their relationship, along with God’s blessings.

How should I respond?

Today’s text illustrates the covenant relationship between Jesus and New Testament believers (Romans 9:24-26; 1 Peter 2:10). If you’re honest, you would probably admit to thinking more about the implications of Christ’s faithfulness to you than your fidelity to Him. Yet God’s expectation of us as His covenant people has not changed. What has God brought to your mind concerning your lack of faithfulness to Him? Allow Him to search your heart for any sin blocking complete intimacy in your relationship (Ps. 139:23-24). Then, turn to Jesus, your Advocate (1 John 2:1).