Day 25 | Hosea and Gomer

Read Hosea 1:1-11; 3:1-5

The story of Hosea and Gomer’s marriage contrasts the faithfulness of God with the faithlessness of Israel in forsaking the God who loved them, cared for them, and provided for them. In Hosea’s relationship with Gomer, Gomer continues to reject the love of her husband, abandoning him to remain promiscuous.

God is so faithful. In fact, he cannot be unfaithful (see 2 Tim. 2:13). He asks us to be people of faith, but the truth is, you and I are fickle. At times our faithfulness depends on so many variables. I will be faithful if it fits into my schedule. I will be faithful when things are going my way. I am always faithful when God works in the way I expect. Can you imagine, however, receiving the instruction to marry someone who was incredibly promiscuous? Pray for the hurting, give to the poor, sacrifice your time to help others; I can get on board with any of those. However, being asked to marry a woman whom everyone knows lives with a scarlet letter? Wait just a minute! Hosea received just such a message. Even through her unfaithfulness, he continually pursues her to exhibit his love and faithfulness to her, and she discards it like yesterday’s leftovers.

When I read this story, I wonder why Hosea keeps going back for her? Why does he continue to love her? Why is he so faithful? I want to tell him, “Cut her loose! She’s not worth it!” I mean, I get that he wants to do God’s will but isn’t there a limit? The answer to that is, of course, “no.” There is no limit to faithfulness. Andy Stanley says, “Too many Christians have a commitment to convenience. They’ll stay faithful as long as it doesn’t involve risk, rejection, or criticism.”

We are called to faith. We must be faithful. There is no option. Friend, faithfulness becomes a contradiction when we think we have a choice in whether or not to be faithful.

Pray for 10 minutes