Today’s Reading: Hosea 7-10
The love story of Hosea and Gomer is A STORY OF JEALOUSY — not a sinful jealousy that selfishly wants another person all to themselves, but a passionate love that wants the full devotion of another person for the sake of the one they love. Chasing after the things of this world only leads to sadness and regret, but true love wants their partner to experience the full life of blessings that God has planned for them. Hosea pursued Gomer’s love because he knew how beautiful life could be for both of them if they were faithful to the covenant relationship of marriage.
Their arrogance testifies against them, yet they don’t return to the Lord their God or even try to find him. – Hosea 7:10
As we read through the book of Hosea, we find that God was frustrated with the Israelites. He had done so much for His people, yet generation after generation turned their hearts from Him. God wanted to redeem them, but they rebelled against Him (7:13). God had made them a strong nation, providing for their every need, yet they turned to other nations instead of depending on Him to rescue them from their enemies. God was jealous of the love they were giving to everything except Him. He wanted their full attention; God wanted them to fully know Him and the beautiful life He had to offer them. But they rejected the covenant relationship God had offered to them.
“I want you to show love, not offer sacrifices.
I want you to know me, more than I want burnt offerings.” – Hosea 6:6
“Israel has built many altars to take away sin,
but these very altars became places for sinning!
Even though I gave them all my laws,
they act as if those laws don’t apply to them.
The people love to offer sacrifices to me,
feasting on the meat,
but I do not accept their sacrifices.
I will hold my people accountable for their sins,
and I will punish them.
They will return to Egypt.
Israel has forgotten its Maker and built great palaces,
and Judah has fortified its cities.
Therefore, I will send down fire on their cities
and will burn up their fortresses.” – Hosea 8:11-14
My God will reject the people of Israel
because they will not listen or obey.
They will be wanderers,
homeless among the nations. – Hosea 9:17
“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.’
But you have cultivated wickedness
and harvested a thriving crop of sins.
You have eaten the fruit of lies—
trusting in your military might,
believing that great armies
could make your nation safe.” – Hosea 10:12-13
Maverick City Music recently released a song that talks about the jealousy of our God, helping us understand God’s love for us. It speaks of how it breaks God’s heart when He sees us dancing with the enemy; it breaks His heart when His bride is living in adultery. God created us to live in relationship with Him — for Him to be the only one we love. He is jealous for us because He loves us. He wants to have an intimate relationship with us, with nothing drawing us away from Him. [Jealous was written by Chandler Moore, Charles Butler & Kirk Franklin, and is from Maverick City Music’s collaboration album with Kirk Franklin entitled “Kingdom Book One”.]
As I read through the book of Hosea, I see myself in the tendencies of the Israelites. God, I ask you to forgive me for allowing my priorities to get wrapped up in my own desires. Thank you for pursuing my heart with a patient love. I am grateful for your grace, but I recognize my need this morning to be faithful to my relationship with you. I don’t want to be so comfortable with your willingness to forgive me that I abuse the grace you so generously offer. It is my desire to plant seeds of righteousness today, so that I can harvest a crop of love. Thank you for meeting with me this morning. I love you. Amen.