Hosea 1:2 + Faithfulness

Hosea 1:2 When the LORD first began speaking to Israel through Hosea, he said to him, "Go and marry a prostitute, so some of her children will be born to you from other men. This will illustrate the way my people have been untrue to me, openly committing adultery against the LORD by worshiping other gods."

Hosea is one of my favorite prophetic books ... but not because it's pleasant and easy. I like Hosea because it's message is sharp, clear, and chilling.

First point ... being a prophet is a crummy job. God asks his servant to marry a prostitute.

Why a prostitute? Second point ... because God wants Hosea's life to be a living picture of Israel's (humanity's) infidelity to the Lord.

Third point ... God wants to use every aspect of our lives. For example, the names of every one of Hosea's children with Gomer has a purpose.

Three names and fourth point ... "Jezreel" is the valley where Israel will be crushed; "Lo-ruhamah" means "not loved," and "Lo-ammi" means "not my people." Harsh names. Hard truth: the God who protects can also remove his hand of protection. Or in other words, our fidelity and faithfulness matter.

Fifth point ... "But" is often the most wonderful word in scripture. Yes, God can remove his hand of protection; "10 but the time will come when Israel will prosper and become a great nation ... 11 the people ... will return from exile together. What a day that will be ... when God will again plant his people in his land. Yes, "but" is one of the most wonderful words in scriptures because God's overwhelming grace, salvation, and victory is the ultimate and final word!

Gracious Lord, don't let me prostitute myself in big ways or small.

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