Gba ohun èlò náàThrough the Bible: HoseaÀpẹrẹ
God’s Unconditional Love
Yet I will show love to Judah; and I will save them---not by bow, sword or battle, or by horses and horsemen, but I, the Lord their God, will save them.” Hosea 1:7 (NIV)
Remember the prophecy God gave in Hosea: "To those who were rejected and not my people, I will say to them: 'You are mine.' And to those who were unloved I will say: 'You are my darling.' " Romans 9:25 (TPT)
In this passage, Hosea’s marriage to an unfaithful wife illustrates God’s relationship with the unfaithful nation of Israel as well as all of us. We can see three main points in this passage – the rebellion of humanity, God’s unconditional love, God forgiving completely. Despite our rebellion and unfaithfulness, God is still faithful and merciful. Hosea loved Gomer just as God loved Israel and us. This shows how God’s love is greater than our sin. When Hosea spoke about how future events relating to God’s promises of restoration would be fulfilled in Jesus Christ, the church (we) would receive God’s blessings of salvation. We can never achieve God’s high standard for moral and spiritual life by our efforts. However, out of love, He graciously accepts us, forgives us, and draws us into a relationship with Himself. What a privilege!
Prayer
Dear Father, please help us be faithful and walk in reverence of You. May we be the light of the world. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Nípa Ìpèsè yìí
Living in the catastrophic final days of the northern kingdom, Hosea prophesies to the people with God’s warnings of rebellion and His promises of blessing for repentance. Hosea’s marriage and showing forgiveness to his adulterous wife Gomer point us to one ironclad assurance in Jesus Christ: God remains faithful even when we are not. God is ready to forgive the moment we run back to him.
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