The Jesus Bible Reading PlanSample

AN UNFAITHFUL SPOUSE

The opening chapter of Hosea unveils a clear problem between God and his people: they had been unfaithful. God commanded Hosea to take a wife who would be unfaithful to him. Hosea and Gomer’s ensuing relationship symbolized the way the people of Israel had departed from God to pursue the Canaanites’ false gods. Hosea was instructed to love Gomer despite her promiscuous actions and knowing she would continue to be unfaithful.

Unfaithfulness is not just a character flaw reserved for the Israelites of the Old Testament; it is a problem for all of humanity. Sin by definition is forsaking God’s way and going one’s own way, resulting in a broken relationship between humans and God. This is the very foundation of why Jesus came. Isaiah 53:6 beautifully says it this way: “We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all.” With the heart of humanity bent on pursuing false gods, or going “our own way,” all people would have been utterly lost and separated from God forever if not for the pursuit of God sending his Son to bring humanity back to himself (1Pe 3:18). Those who believe and follow Christ are invited into the perfect love Christ has for the church, his bride, for whom he gave his life (Eph 5:25 – 27).

Jesus, forgive me for those times I have been spiritually unfaithful to you. Help me to follow only you and not allow myself to be led astray. Amen.