Hosea chapter 3 verse 1 (NIV)
The LORD said to me, “Go, show your love to your wife again, though she is loved by another man and is an adulteress. Love her as the LORD loves the Israelites, though they turn to other gods and love the sacred raisin cakes. ”
This must have been an incredibly hard thing for a God-fearing man like Hosea to do. His wife was not in love with him. He was just a meal ticket. But Hosea did what God commanded. If he hadn’t been wholehearted, God would not have moved through him. How Hosea must have been hurt by his wife’s attitude, but he must have hoped that she would respond to his love.
It made me think of two things. Firstly are we obedient to God’s direction, even if its a really difficult thing we’re asked to do?
Secondly, it made me think of how often we may have hurt God’s feelings by choosing to do our own thing, and yet He continues to draw us and forgive us by His grace. Let’s not be like Hosea’s wife and throw that love back in His face.
Dear Lord,
Thank You for the unconditional love You show to me because of the sacrifice Jesus made for me. May I never take that grace, love and sacrifice for granted. I ask in Jesus’ Name. Amen.