Hosea
The book of Hosea begins with a difficult command. The Lord tells Hosea, “Take to yourself a wife of whoredom” (Hos. 1:2). What does this mean?
In the most straightforward sense, Hosea is commanded to marry a woman who is sexually immoral and who will prove unfaithful to the marriage covenant. Many interpreters have sought to explain away the literal meaning of this command. Some argue that it seems inconsistent with God's teaching concerning marriage and sexual purity. Others contend that it seems unfair for God to call Hosea into a marriage that will bring him great sorrow.
Yet neither objection should cause us to abandon the plain meaning of the text. God has a purpose that extends beyond our limited notions of freedom or fairness. The Lord calls Hosea to marry an unfaithful woman in order to provide a vivid and living picture of His own relationship with Israel.
Throughout Scripture, marriage serves as a powerful image of God's covenant relationship with His people. The Lord bound Himself to Israel by covenant, promising to be their God and to bless them as His treasured possession. Yet Israel repeatedly violated that covenant by pursuing other gods. Like an unfaithful wife, she turned from her covenant Lord to seek provision, security, and blessing from Baal, Asherah, and the idols of the nations.
Hosea's marriage is therefore a living parable. Through the prophet's personal sorrow, God exposes the spiritual adultery of His people. Israel has become like a wife of whoredom, betraying the covenant love of the Lord.
What will be the result of such covenant unfaithfulness? Will the Lord cast off His people forever? The opening chapter of Hosea reveals both the severity of God's judgment and the wonder of His mercy. The Lord will not ignore Israel's sin, but neither will He abandon His covenant purposes. Through judgment, He will call His people to repentance, and through grace, He will restore them.
To come prepared for the sermon take time this week to read and to meditate upon Hosea 1:1-2:1, Genesis 17:1-18, Exodus 34:6-7, Leviticus 26:12, Deuteronomy 28, Ephesians 5:22-33, and this article on Hosea.
As we gather to worship our loving Father this Lord’s Day, we will join our hearts in song, singing the Hymn of Praise “All People That On Earth Do Dwell.” the Acclamation of Praise “Rejoice the Lord is King” and the Hymn of Response “Yet Not I But Through Christ in Me” Let us come to worship this Sunday prepared to hear God’s Word, to receive it in faith, to love and treasure it in our hearts, and to practice it in our lives that we may continue to glorify and enjoy Him!
Sermon Information
Text: Hosea 1:1-2:1
Title: Covenant Faithfulness
Outline:
- We Must Honor Covenant Fidelity (1:1-3)
- We Must Fear Covenant Curses (1:4-9)
- We Must Trust Covenant Blessings (1:10-2:1)
Sunday's Bulletin
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