Hosea's Example/Faithful Companion

Know therefore that the Lord your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commandments. Deuteronomy 7:9

If we are faithless, he remains faithful, for He cannot disown himself. 2 Timothy 2:13

In the Old Testament there are many occasions noting Israel’s struggle with sin and unfaithfulness to God. However, the amazing thing is the many occasions of God’s faithfulness to forgive when heartfelt repentance is given. The book of Hosea is comprised of 13 chapters in the Old Testament. It begins with the story of the prophet Hosea who was directed by God to, “Go, take unto thee a wife of whoredoms and children of whoredoms: for the land hath committed great whoredom, departing from the Lord,” (Hosea 1:2). God’s relationship with his children is often compared to a marriage and the story of Hosea and Gomer’s marriage reflects God’s unfailing love, forgiveness and the faithfulness of Him always being there for us (faithful companion). Hosea was being directed by God to live out an “object lesson” for the children of Israel.

God’s covenant with Israel was one of blessings and protection if they followed His laws and worshipped only Him. Israel struggled with their side of the deal. They worshipped false gods, relied on their own strength and wisdom and turned away from what they knew was right. Just as we do today. I see the same pattern in my life all too often, letting things of this world consume my time (worshipping false gods) and relying on my own wisdom (making decisions without prayer). I am sure we can all think of things in our life that fit into these categories, but Hosea is more than a book that reads about infidelity and punishment. It is a book that describes forgiveness and reconciliation.

Donald C. Stamps says, “Hosea emphasizes the NT message of truly knowing God in order to enter life…Hosea shows clearly the direct relationship between persistent sin and inescapable judgement.”

Gomer did leave Hosea and had an affair, but Hosea goes and gets her, brings her home and forgives her. This is a perfect example of God’s faithfulness to us. Gomer made poor choices, but the power of forgiveness restores. Bible study tools says it like this: “Hosea’s life and ministry serve not only as prophecy for Israel at that time, but as a reminder today about the consequences of choice, the power of forgiveness, and the importance of virtue.”

For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Romans 6:23

God is our “faithful companion” and is love is “unfailing”.

Pastor Julia Scott