November 6, 2009

Hosea and Gomer - Book of Hosea




















The book of Hosea is a story of a prophet whom God instructs to marry a prostitute Gomer. Their relationship is symbolic of God's relationship with the Israelites. Since the beginning God has had a message for us, "I will walk among you and be your God, and you will be my people" (Leviticus 26:12).

And so a huge theme throughout the Old Testament is God desiring a relationship with his people. However, the Israelites got distracted, found their worth in other things, and forgot who God was and is. They didn't forget him intellectually, but forgot who he was experientially. As a result, they continued to turn away from God.

In the book of Hosea, God relates this message to a man, Hosea, steadfastly loving and marrying a prostitute, Gomer. Despite Gomer being unfaithful, Hosea continues to pursue and love her. Gomer turned from Hosea to seek out what she knew and believed. She convinced herself that living without Hosea was better than living with him. She believed lies of the world and fell back into her old habits. Hosea rescued her from this and brought forth a redeeming love.

God pursues us the same way. Though we have been adulterous and cheated on God with the world, He still loves us. He still desires to be our God, and for us to be his people. He is just and fair so there may be consequences, but the end result will be worth it.

Where do you stand? Do you have a relationship with this God? Perhaps, at one point you did, but now you only know God intellectually and not experientially. He still desires a relationship with you.

A great fictional read on this is Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers.
http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/catalog.php?isbn=9781601420619

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