Blow the trumpet and sound the alarms, it is time to turn away from our sinful, selfish ways and repent to our good and gracious God!
As we read and interpret the prophetic word of Hosea, we often see through the lens of judgment. We tend to see the punishment of God and the rebellion of the Israelites, all while doubting the relevance of the scriptures today, especially those of the Old Testament.
However, I want to encourage you to see the love of God revealed in the book of Hosea. In this book, we see the dramatic portrayal of God’s constant and persistent love. God’s love for you.
As we read these passages, we are reminded of our humanity. We are reminded that we live in a fallen, broken, messed-up world. Our sin and rebellion can cause us to turn away from God and trick us into believing we can do it on our own.
We can’t do it alone, however, and the God of the universe shows up and meets us. God is revealed not as a wrathful and unforgiving God but as the God who displays love, grace, mercy, and forgiveness. Even in our disobedience and lack of faith and trust, God continues to be obedient and faithful and make a way for God’s people.
As we read this, it doesn’t take long to identify the relevancy of this text in our lives today as Christians. We, too, find ourselves placing our faith and trust in people, things, and rulers of this world, just as the Israelites did.
My encouragement today, and always, is that we read the Biblical Narrative, even the hard passages of scripture, with hope and encouragement. We read with the understanding of the love of a good and gracious God who is slow to anger and filled with unfailing love (Psalm 103:8). As you journey this week, be reminded that you are a beloved child of God!
Questions for reflection:
1. In what ways do you already trust God fully?
2. What are some areas of your life where you find yourself not wanting to trust God?
3. When was the last time you told God, “I love you, too”?