Perhaps there is not better prophet to speak to the United States in 2021 than Hosea. He spoke mostly to the Northern Kingdom of Israel addressing its religion, its morality and its politics. His chief metaphor for the people of Israel was that of a “harlot.” To feel the impact of this, we may want to use the word “hooker.” As a people they were promiscuous; fooling around with anyone or anything that they believed would serve their interests. Corruption and oppression were rampant, and they people of God pinned their hopes on their allies rather than God. Hosea, speaks to the people and remind them, not of God’s great anger, but of God’s great love.
This picture of Israel’s promiscuity is expressed in Hosea’s own household. His wife, Gomer, is an adulteress, one who has been with many others. This leads to divorce in his marriage - and in that culture it is Gomer who would have been seen as one who is a disgrace. But the story of Hosea and Gomer reflects God’s heart, not our attitudes. This is why Hosea brings Gomer back to be his wife and renews their marriage.
The idea that this story of Hosea and Gomer actually happened was unacceptable in the minds of many. This is why many have suggested maybe this didn’t really happen - maybe it was a dream, a vision or a picture, but not a historical fact. Perhaps what’s more unacceptable is the way God continues to return to God’s people; reaching out to us again and again to renew a relationship for which God’s heart longs.
June 27, 2021: Burning Like a Furnace – Michael Hidalgo
June 20, 2021– Remembering Rightly – Bekah Stewart
June 13, 2021: Build My House –Michael Hidalgo
June 6, 2021: Rooftops, Stars, Clothing and Thresholds - Michael Hidalgo
May 30, 2021: I've Heard of You – Jon Gettings
May 23, 2021: This is Not Comforting - Michael Hidalgo
May 16, 2021: Walk This Way –Dave Neuhausel
May 9, 2021: And Now for the 6th Act! – Michael Hidalgo
May 2, 2021: Scott Oppliger - That's Not How You Treat Family
April 25, 2021: Tov! – Michael Hidalgo
April 18, 2021: Bugs, Wrestlers and Faces – Bekah Stewart
Apri 4, 2021: This isNot Resuscitation – Amanda Lum
March 28, 2021: It is Finished – Michael Hidalgo
March 21, 2021: God, Where Are You? - Michael Hidalgo
March 7, 2021: Mothers and Sons – Amanda Lum
February 28, 2021: Two Tickets to Paradise – Michael Hidalgo
February 21, 2021: Forgive Them –Michael Hidalgo
February 14, 2021: An Anchor for the Soul
February 7, 2021: Provoking the Good and Beautiful – Scott Oppliger
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