+DEV+ Hosea's Unfaithful Spouse

Date: March 28, 2016 at 9:38 PM

Topic: +DEV+  Hosea's Unfaithful Spouse

Hosea's Unfaithful Spouse

"Who is wise? He will realize these things. Who is discerning? He will understand them. The ways of the Lord are right; the righteous walk in them, but the rebellious stumble in them." Hosea 14:9

Scripture Focus: Hosea 1:2-11

God gave Hosea a difficult assignment: find a prostitute, marry her and have children with her. God told Hosea his wife would be unfaithful to him and that he must reconcile with her anyway. It must have been a tremendous burden to Hosea. 

No one sets a goal of marrying an unfaithful spouse. Yet this was required of Hosea. When betrayal enters the home, families are disgraced, children are devastated, and relationships are damaged. Hosea's reputation among his fellow prophets must have suffered. What Hosea was commanded to do went against what he knew of God's will and wisdom. 

But God's purpose was to illustrate how He would have mercy on Israel though they had been unfaithful to Him. So Hosea put aside his own desires and delivered the message as an object lesson to Israel and to hundreds of generations who would read it in the Bible. The lesson has been far-reaching because through the generations we have been that unfaithful wife. Our faithful groom, Jesus, gave everything to reconcile us to Him.

Insight: Many in the bible were asked to do things that seemed counter-intuitive. Some followed God's plan; some didn't. Which way will you choose?

Please feel free to use this devotional to send on to your friends or share with your church fellowship and Bible study groups.

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