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It is very hard to put into words just how precious Hosea 2:14-23 is. In the previous verses, God has illustrated to us through Hosea’s relationship with his wife what Israel has done, and what they are deserving of. Verses 2-13 paint a picture of no peace, no joy, no hope, just endless frustration, unrest, shame, and suffering. And it is important to remember that all of this would be deserving. This here is not an innocent sufferer.

And it is this that makes the illustration of v.14-23 so potent. God here shows that his restoration doesn’t simply undo the punishment, leaving them at neutral to try again. He takes “gracious initiative” to bring his people back into relationship with him. His people, who whored after others, are the very people to whom he then says “I will betroth you to me forever. I will betroth you to me in righteousness and in justice, in steadfast love and in mercy. I will betroth you to me in faithfulness.”

I say this passage is precious, because it depicts what kind of God we have the privilege of knowing and worshipping. One who is gracious, patient, and faithful to people who are themselves the complete opposite.

But what do we do with this? I know that often, if I’m not being intentional when hearing and reading passages like this, the total sum of my thoughts and actions amount to “that’s nice.” It never goes deeper. As I desire to be faithful with the Word, so that it may bear more fruit, here are two things I am seeking to grow in:

  1. Meditate on how the passage describes God. Do I think of God this way? As I have stated in a previous blog, I want all of Scripture to shape how I view God, including the Old Testament. Has this passage challenged any of my conscious or less conscious thinking about him? Do I pray with this understanding of God in mind? Thinking about who He is can be a great entry point into prayer. And that leads well into the second point.
  2. Talk to God about what he has said about himself. And then, give thanks. It is ironic that this blog is scheduled around the time of thanksgiving, but when we meditate on who God is, and how he has shown himself in our lives through those perfections, it should lead to thanksgiving. It should lead to us adoring him more for who he is. My hope is that as I grow more in knowing who God is, it will fuel and fill my prayer with adoration and a godly fear, and go on to fuel my serving.