The Old Testament book of Hosea is the story of God’s faithful love for
His unfaithful people. In what seems strange to us, the Lord commanded Hosea to
marry a woman who would break her marriage vows and bring grief to him (Hosea
1:2-3). After she deserted Hosea for other men, the Lord told him to take her
back—a picture of “the love of the Lord for the children of Israel, who look to
other gods” (3:1).
Later, Hosea was called upon to tell the Israelites that because of
their rebellion against the Lord, they would be carried away into captivity by
a foreign power. “Tumult shall arise among your people, and all your fortresses
shall be plundered” (10:14).
Yet in the midst of their sin and punishment, the grace of God toward
His people was never exhausted. In a grace-filled exhortation, He said: “Sow
for yourselves righteousness; reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground, for
it is time to seek the Lord, till He comes and rains righteousness on you” (10:12).
Even when we have “plowed wickedness” and “reaped iniquity” (10:13), God
does not stop loving us. Whatever our situation today, we can turn to the Lord
and find forgiveness to make a new start. His love never fails!
No force is greater than the power of God’s love. (RBC)
