God's Unchanging Love: Hosea 3: 1-5

Long before I went to seminary, I was studying the Bible. I recall taking a free correspondence course from Family Radio. The very first book  I studied with them was the book of Hosea, an enigmatic book indeed, beginning with the prophet’s obedience to God’s order to go and marry a prostitute. How many of us men would obey such an order?

The fascinating thing about this book is not so much the relationship between Hosea and his wife Gomer, but rather the relationship between God and us. Given what has been happening to this country, and indeed the world, since Donald Trump ascended to the presidency, many among the believers have had questions about God’s love. I was led back to this fascinating book when one of my prayer groups asked me last month to offer the meditation on the third chapter. I titled my meditation God’s Unchanging Love.

Hosea highlights the parallel between the prophet’s relationship with his wife Gomer, and God’s relationship with the nation of Israel. Although Israel made a covenant with the one true God, she sought after other false gods, as we do even now. They may not be the same gods as then, but the effect is the same. Nowadays the gods may be career, power, fame, and fortune, but the end result is the same: replacing God in our hearts, our minds, and in our lives.

Hosea married Gomer knowing ahead of time that she would leave him for her adulterous adventure. He tenderly dealt with his wife in spite of her sin. God was merciful toward the people of Israel despite of their sins.

This short chapter of  Hosea, Ch.3, pictures the nation’s exile and return. Israel would experience a time of purification in a foreign land, but God would still love the people, and would be willing to accept them back. In Ezekiel 11:6, he promised that he would be a sanctuary for them even as they were in the foreign land. He commended Hosea to show the same forgiving spirit to Gomer though she had no merit of her own, and though Hosea had good reason to divorce her, he was told to buy her back, to redeem her, if you will, and love her; something almost unthinkable.

So what is the lesson here for us? Both Israel and Gomer had committed adultery, one spiritual, the other physical; and they are both dangerous because both are against the law of God.

The book of Hosea is a love story, real, tragic and true. Transcending the tale of a young man and his wife, it tells of God’s love for his people and the response of his bride. A covenant has been made, and God has been faithful. His love was steadfast and his commitment unbroken. But Israel like Gomer was adulterous and unfaithful, spurning God’s love and turning instead to false gods. But, true to his nature, after warning of judgement, God like Hosea whose name means “Salvation,” reaffirms his love and offers reconciliation.
The book of Hosea dramatically portrays our God’s constant and persistent love, even when we mess up. Though I only meditate on Ch.3, I invite you to read the whole book and watch how the prophet willingly submits himself to God’s direction, surrenders, if you will. Grieve (lament) with him over the unfaithfulness of his wife, and his people. Hear the clear warning of judgement and reaffirm your commitment to being men/women of God: faithful in your love for God whose love for us never wavers, and also for each other.

Let us Pray.  Forever Loving God, we praise and glorify your Holy Name. We thank you for your kindness and your faithfulness. Help us O God to believe and never doubt that you will always love us, even when we turn away from you, even while you despise our sins. Forgive us God when our deeds belie our commitment to you, and our relationship with you, causing you pain. Help us God to see beyond Hosea’s suffering, an example of love that just like your love for us, will not quit. Help us to look for the ways that Hosea loved his undeserving wife, and to consider how you O God, does the same for us, as undeserving as we are. In Jesus matchless name we pray. Amen and Amen.

Written by Rev. Franck Aguilh