Growing up, I often daydreamed about being married. I learned to cook, thinking I would bless my future wife with my culinary skills. I worked hard to get a good job, hoping to one day provide a nice, comfortable life for my future bride. It was rare for me to go on a date without wondering if the girl sitting across from me might be my future wife. I spent a lot of time dreaming about what marriage would be like, imagining how beautiful it would be. But like so many things in life, God’s plans are bigger and even more beautiful than we could ever conjure up. His ways are better than ours, but that doesn’t mean they’re always easier.
Now, imagine how Hosea must have felt when God called him.
“Go and marry a woman of promiscuity.”
—Hosea 1:2
Why would God call Hosea to faithfully love a woman who would not be faithful to him in return? To offer everything to someone who offered him so little and then to “go again; show love to a woman who is loved by another man and is an adultress”? (Hosea 3:1). This biblical account only makes sense when we realize that it is not primarily written about Hosea and Gomer. Their marriage is a living metaphor for the faithful love God continuously showers upon His faithless people.
Though His people did not reciprocate His faithfulness and though they used His gifts to worship false gods such as Baal (Hosea 2:8), God promised to deliver His people from the consequences of their rebellion and to restore them to the blessedness of right relationship with Him. And in framing His promise, God drew upon the metaphor He had established between the faithful husband Hosea and the faithless wife Gomer.
“I will take you to be my wife forever.
I will take you to be my wife in righteousness,
justice, love, and compassion.
I will take you to be my wife in faithfulness,
and you will know the LORD.”
—Hosea 2:19–20
This Old Testament account of the gracious faithfulness of God is good news for the modern-day people of God. We may be living in a different day and age, but the sin nature that defiled the people of Hosea’s day continues to haunt us and lead us astray. It’s as Robert Robinson wrote in his famous hymn “Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing”—our hearts are “prone to wander” and “prone to leave” the God we love.
Yet as prone as we are to leave Him, God Himself—King Jesus—left the glories of heaven in order to come to earth as a man, live humbly as a servant, and ultimately, die upon a cross (Philippians 2:5–8). In His death and resurrection, Christ won the Church to Himself as His pure, spotless bride (Ephesians 5:25–27). The promise God offered His people in the book of Hosea is fulfilled once and for all time through Jesus Christ.
Because the gospel is true, the redeemed from all nations will be assembled together as “a bride adorned for her husband” (Revelation 21:2). Though we were faithless, Christ has been faithful. And because this is true, we will dwell with Him forever. The gospel is very good news, indeed, especially for those of us who are prone to wander.
Written by Davis Lacey
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65 thoughts on "Hosea and Gomer"
Dear She’s. I ask for pray, I am a faithful Christian who is struggling with my mental health being out of sync with the rest of me. Doctors are prescribing antidepressants and I don’t know that the route cause of this. I pray that God will find me a way out of things I cannot handle and lead on the true path to getting better. Amen
This is a deep one.
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Good read
Oh dear….accidentally posted in the wrong spot so just putting it here:/
This sentence in the devotional sums up our Bible reading for today: “Though we were faithless, Christ has been faithful.” Isn’t that just me (us)? Ugh. Hosea is again one of those stories that I didn’t fully understand in my younger years not at all realizing the significance and that is was a picture of us and Christ, but yikes. And then the other side is seeing the example of what true forgiveness looks like and how I (we) too, need to willing extend and offer that. Yikes again. Its all not a nice picture at to see staring back at us. But, God….the perfect example, so faithful, so gracious, so merciful offering redemption, forgivenes and salvation to a broken, sinful, unfaithful, weak-willed, wayward soul. Always making a way to call us back, to start fresh and to have hope, peace and new life. Making a way to have the strength and courage to forgive. Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift (2 Cor 9:15)
Thank you all for your encouragement in the comments yesterday. So blessed and carried many times by the support of you all here, in this space.❤️
I have not read this as God speaking to Israel up until about last year in Sunday School when doing an in depth chronological reading of the Bible and how the OT and NT intertwine. It’s such a heartbreaking yet beautiful reading.
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Thank you for loving us ❤️
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Spirit of the Living God,
Fall afresh on me,
Spirit of the Living God,
Fall afresh on me.
Break me, melt me, mold me, fill me.
Spirit of the Living God,
Fall afresh on me.
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I love that song!
I had several interruptions to my study time and realize I replied to comments but didn’t leave one!
I was reminded this morning in commentary of the many ‘visual sermons/parables’ employed by prophets to try to reach the people and draw them back to God. Hosea was mentioned as an extreme example of that practice. The strength of those prophets to hang in there with God knowing the mindset of their audience is such a testimony to their faith, commitment to their calling, and trust in the One True God! We need to cover our pastors in prayer; theirs is no easy task either!
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Love, hugs, and prayers! ❤
Especially at this time in our world
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True intimacy…
Righteous.
Just.
Loving.
Compassionate.
Faithful.
All Knowing.
Speaking tenderly.
Spirit of the Living God.
Fall fresh on me.
My Spirit of the Living God comment was supposed to go here! ☺
THinking about the Hosea and Gomer sermon jam by Judah Smith today… https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vuIUAaZtnDE
Thank you for sharing this! So good!
THIS reminded me of the movie, based on the book Redeeming Love (by Francine Rivers). So “yes” Rhonda to answer your question. I saw this twice and it was a bit of “hard watch” BUT we see how much Hosea loved his wife and “willing” to forgive her (obeying what God was asking of him) even though it hurt SO bad. AND to watch the character of Angel (aka Gomer) and how she would go back to her old way of life, made me think of us how much we tend to wander YET our JESUS welcomes back every single time with open arms and all. NOW that’s our JESUS!
No offense intended to you, Mari. But I want to add that Phylicia Masonheimer, who has been a guest on the SRT podcast several times, has a whole highlight bubble on her Instagram cautioning against this book. I haven’t read it (or seen the film). But she says the book is close to soft p.rn, erotica, and she knows many women who have been lead down a path to addiction through it. Just wanted to put that out here in case any SHEs think it would make a good devotional read! ;-)
That’s kinda crazy to hear, b/c I definitely don’t remember being taken aback by it, and I don’t like any detailed love scenes! I thought the book and movie were both good…and clean!
Yeah, since I haven’t read it, I can’t add anything. ♥️ Phylicia has her own history with the subject and ministry so she definitely would be more sensitive.
No offense taken, Lisa H. And I’ve never heard this before.
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Sovereign God, our lives are in your hands. How we need you.
The ONE who loves me most is the ONE who lov
Be faithful to the only God that there is, the only God who loves you and who can save you and who can provide for your deepest needs.
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When God walked with me through the dark valley of having to forgive my husband of adultery, it was a defining season for me in understanding my own sin and God’s forgiveness. My human heart struggled to forgive, and many people were telling me to walk away and never look back because I was justified to do so. But I never felt released to do that. I felt God’s Spirit clearly leading me to forgive and stay. In order to truly forgive, I had to understand what forgiveness entailed. It requires quite a lot from the offended party. It was a process for me, and at times I felt superior because I was the forgiver and not the forgiven. Whew, it was rough. Because of that refining experience, I value my own forgiveness so much more than before. My sin, my fickleness, my tendency to chase after other “loves” cost my Lord and Savior His very life. It truly is humbling.
My heart has been so heavy because of my son. He is so lost and floundering and so much of that is related to his lost faith. He has a lot of trouble relating and communicating with us (his parents) and his siblings and other family members because of his beliefs. He is isolating himself. I believe our faith scares him to some extent and so he avoids us. It is heartbreaking. But reading this story today reminds me that God is pursuing, God is patient, God is ready to welcome him back to the fold, and so I can only pray and wait.
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Yes Laura, I thought of you and how you chose to stay and forgive. Thank you for expanding more on what all you learned from that.
Hosea means,” The Lord saves.”
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This passage makes me think about the golden calf. God had delivered them from Egypt and they had witnessed the 10 plagues and the parting of the Red Sea. Yet the built an idol in the similitud of an ox and worshiped it. They attributed their deliverance to a god made of gold.
G-d had wed them at Mt.Sinai and given them a kettubah (marriage contract).
They took off their gold earrings and Aaron made a calf. They also had an orgy!
Fast forward to Hosea.One Bible commentator, called this story, a tragedy with a purpose.”. I am amazed how G-d teaches and illustrates things.He gave the Israelites a story illustrated in real time how their idolatry and unfaithfulness was adultery with consequences. However, God has the cure before the disease and the answer before the question or problem. God uses the man prophet to illustrate how he is faithful and ready to buy us back. The answer would manifest in the God man Jesus the cross!
Today’s lesson is so counter culture in our time, because if you are done wrong, you then dismiss. Especially if a spouse “cheats” on you, we tell them no way should they put up with that! But there is something so beautiful in these passages where even scorned and betrayed, he is told to run to her, love her, and give her love, lavishly. Can you imagine how that would make her feel- special, loved beyond measure, forgiven.
That is our God. He runs after us even after our lustful ways seeking idols and comforts of the world. I had often wondered if Jesus “chases” after us, because there were times when people walked away, and he didn’t run after them or beg them. But the overall theme is indeed, that God does pursue us. And if our wayward, hard hearts turns back, no matter how far or what we have done, he is there ready to accept us, even pursuing us.
Thank you God…I was such a rebellious, wayward “child” even though I knew better. And boy did I make a mess of my life and others it affected. It gives me lots of grace for those still running and doing it their own way. WeI try to find that love in so many places. But only God can fill our cup. To make us feel whole, secure, loved. That brings joy, peace and stability beyond measure.
Is this the story that there was a movie by Francine Rivers a couple of years ago?? Redeeming Love!
Yes, this is the one, Rhonda! ❤
Isn’t this just so us! We might be quick to judge Gomer, but as we point the finger at her – there are 4 fingers pointing back at us.
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God loves us, sent His Son to “buy us back” – we walk in Him, then we get distracted, loose our way, do our own thing – and then we return. And God is always there waiting. Though we are faithless, Christ is faithful – always.
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This account of Hosea’s marriage to Gomer is such a beautiful redemption picture of God’s relationship with us, and our future “marriage” to Him.
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Thank you Father God for loving us even when we are most unlovable. Thank you for Jesus, forgiveness, redemption. May I always keep my eyes on You and remain steadfast. Give my Your strength, because I too am prone to wander.
“Thank you Father God for loving us even when we are most unlovable.”
Amen to that, sister!
See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! — 1 John 3.1a
One of my all time, favorite verses in scripture! ❤️
This is an encouraging message in the time we’re in.
So much in this book, and like KELLY (NEO), I read beyond the selected Scriptures.
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Time and again the Lord God rescued, forgave and restored His people – even for things that seem unforgivable.
Once and for all, we can accept the redemption made possible by the life, sacrifice and resurrection of His Son Jesus Christ, yet we will still turn away at times and He will still rescue, forgive and restore us to Him. We serve an awesome, loving and forgiving God!
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Verses from Hosea of importance to me:
1:9 …For you are not My people, And I will not be your God.
10 …And it shall come to pass
In the place where it was said to them,
‘You are not My people,’
There it shall be said to them,
‘You are sons of the living God.’
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He forgives
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2:8
For she did not know
That I gave her grain, new wine, and oil,
And multiplied her silver and gold—
Which they prepared for Baal.
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Am I recognizing God as the source of blessings received? How am I redirecting or wasting God’s blessings, rather than using them for Him?
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10:12
Sow for yourselves righteousness;
Reap in mercy;
Break up your fallow ground,
For it is time to seek the Lord,
Till He comes and rains righteousness on you.
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Seek Him now, while we can
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13:5-6
5 I knew you in the wilderness,
In the land of great drought.
6 When they had pasture, they were filled;
They were filled and their heart was exalted;
Therefore they forgot Me.
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Whew. Lord, help me remember You, all that you’ve done for me and will do – in every moment, in drought and when I have plenty. I don’t want to ever forget or turn away.
Heartbreaking when I see credit taken for what God has done, or the turning away from Him after receiving the prayed for rescue.
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Hosea ends with this –
14:9
Who is wise?
Let him understand these things.
Who is prudent?
Let him know them.
For the ways of the Lord are right;
The righteous walk in them,
But transgressors stumble in them.
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MERCY ❤️ Thank you, sister, for the powerful reminder to keep watching
CEE GEE – convicted by your description of your foundation of faith, supported by stones of Scripture. So much intention on my part to work on committing Scripture to memory, continual fail to get started. Use it or lose it, I need to get busy. Thank you! ❤️
DONNA WOLCOTT ❤️ May I always remember that, “I stand in the presence of the Lord of Armies”.
WENDY B ❤️ Praying for you, and thank you, sister, for your moving testimony.
SUZI RASMUSSEN praying
TANYA ❤️ obedience of the ravens
VICTORIA E – good to see you, praying for more that brings a smile ❤️
Great Searching! (heart!)
So good Searching! ❤️
HOSEA 10:12-
I said, ‘Plant the good seeds of righteousness, and you will harvest a crop of love. Plow up the hard ground of your hearts, for now is the time to seek the Lord, that he may come and shower righteousness upon you.’ NLT
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One if my favorite verses is Jeremiah 29:13-
You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. NIV.
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SEARCHING thank you for taking the time to share and expound on these points! Great shares!
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“Use it or lose it.” Exactly, sister! ❤❤❤
Searching , so good to “see” you too! Thank you for your prayers they are needed and appreciated.
I loved today’s reading. I got wrapped up in the last part of Hosea 3:1 about the raisin cakes so I looked it up. I had no idea why the raisin cakes were specifically mentioned. I read an article about the fact that it was more of a luxury item that was distracting the people from God. They were turning to little g gods and things like luxury goods rather than God. I recognized that in my own life and it is still present in our culture today. Very humbling.
Honestly I pictured them eating Little Debbie raisin cakes. Little Debbie used to sale them.I think they have been discontinued.
From Jogphn MacArthur Study Bible
Raisin cakes –
Eaten as a part of special occasions (cf. 2 Sam. 6:19), they may have been used in idolatrous ceremonies, possibly as an aphrodisiac (cf. Song 2:5).
Raisin cakes are also an aphrodisiac and they were used in rituals to the gods/goddesses of fertility.
Sorry for the redundancy-CEE GEE and I must have been typing at the same time ;)
❤☺
This sentence in the devotional sums up our Bible reading for today: “Though we were faithless, Christ has been faithful.” Isn’t that just me (us)? Ugh. Hosea is again one of those stories that I didn’t fully understand in my younger years not at all realizing the significance and that is was a picture of us and Christ, but yikes. And then the other side is seeing the example of what true forgiveness looks like and how I (we) too, need to willing extend and offer that. Yikes again. Its all not a nice picture at to see staring back at us. But, God….the perfect example, so faithful, so gracious, so merciful offering redemption, forgivenes and salvation to a broken, sinful, unfaithful, weak-willed, wayward soul. Always making a way to call us back, to start fresh and to have hope, peace and new life. Making a way to have the strength and courage to forgive. Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift (2 Cor 9:15)
Thank you all for your encouragement in the comments yesterday. So blessed and carried many times by the support of you all here, in this space.
Oh dear….sorry this posted in the wrong spot. :/
I am so grateful God’s love is based on His faithfulness and not mine. Thank you Lord for loving and caring for us always.
Kelly (NEO) happy to hear the update on the young mama and I pray the caseworker will delay the discharge date in light of recent happenings.
Amen
“The gospel is very good news, indeed, especially for those of us who are prone to wander.”
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Love God’s vow:
“I will take you to be my wife forever.
I will take you to be my wife in righteousness,
justice, love, and compassion.
I will take you to be my wife in faithfulness,
and you will know the Lord” 2:19-20
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Later in 6:1-2, Hosea cries out: “Come, let’s return to the Lord.
For he has torn us,
and he will heal us;
he has wounded us,
and he will bind up our wounds.
He will revive us after two days,
and on the third day he will raise us up
so we can live in his presence.”
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So thankful Jesus came to make a way for me to be included in these promises.
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For those who missed my update yesterday, my young mama and baby are out of the hospital and back at the shelter. Praying today she is able to get the baby to the doctor appt (for vaccinations) this morning. Praying she can meet with her case worker upon her return to calmly discuss next steps and delay being discharged from the place.
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SUZI RASMUSSEN – continuing to pray for your son and grandchildren.
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CHERYL BLOW – praying for Tammy and Levi
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SUSAN BURLEY – praying for Paul and Seth
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MARI V – praying you are getting restful sleep
Jesus came to make a way – I’m so thankful too.
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Whooping over baby taking nourishment and being discharged. Praying for resources for young mama to get where she needs to be, and “calmly” discuss solutions with her case worker – may there be a viable one today.
Praying for that mama and her baby! I know it’s a controversial subject, but if you’d encourage her to research the vaccines… justtheinserts is a website that gives statistical information. I have a vaccine injured child :( and it was simply because I didn’t I went along with it because it’s what you’re “supposed to do.” It’s so good to make an informed decision and sadly, mama’s in those situations usually are not given the information to make their own decision.
Praying you can be a light and blessing to her in such a hard time and season and that she would turn to Jesus!
This was my prayer just before I read your comment! May God work in this young Mama’s life to give her the knowledge and resources to move forward.
Agree. Especially since he was just so sick. And I’m very sorry, JAF, to hear your own child is vaccine injured. Sensitive subject but one to pray and research over for sure. Hugs.
Continuing to pray for “your Mama” and baby. I have to believe that God will make a way for her – give her a place to live and a job. She desires good things.
Praying for mama and baby! ❤️
Celebrating this enormous answer to prayer and asking God for more…wisdom for what is best for the baby and a stable home and work. It’s a lot. But is it too much for our God? I think not. ❤️
Great pist, Kelly! Those are the verses that stood out to me. Continued prayers for this young mama and babe- agreeing in prayer for shelter to extend her stay and that a job and childcare solution will appear soon on the horizon. Yku have a heart of compassion and I pray God’s blessing on that! ❤