I continue my study of Hosea, and my focus this morning is Hosea 3:1-5, where God continues to press His message with Israel that she is unfaithful just as a prostitute is - in the text today God reinforces the message from chapter one that Hosea is to love Gomer just as He loves Israel - despite her unfaithfulness. Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method.
- What do we learn from the text about God?: God loves the children of Israel, even in their sin. This reminds of how God saves believers while still an enemy and hostile to Him (see also Romans 5:8). Once again, we must remember God's great love and mercy for us. God directs Hosea to purchase/redeem Gomer just as Jesus paid a price for all of humanity by sacrificing Himself on the cross for our sin. God then is more specific about how he wants Gomer (and Israel to respond) - to be faithful - to stop yoking yourself to the world and to dwell/fellowship with and to love God. God not only forgives (v5) but is described as good (not just in the latter days but in all days).
- What do we learn from the text about people?: V5 speaks to a Godly response expected from the children of Israel - that they "return and seek the Lord their God." God knows that His people have been and will continue to sin but He offers forgiveness and reconciliation to those who confess and repent.
- Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): We are to avoid languishing in our sin and shame. We are to repent and confess our sin and He will forgive - God forgives not just now but in the future. We are to follow the example of God who loves despite our sin and unfaithfulness. Remain in Him and ask Him to reveal our sin to us. Then we should return to God just as the prodigal son did - repent and confess sin.
My Prayer: Father God, thank You for how You lavish love on me despite my sin. Even in punishment and discipline I see Your love and goodness. Thank You Jesus for all that You do, including my salvation. I am not deserving of my salvation nor any of the blessings You pour out for me daily. My sin is great and it continues...daily. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
