OCTOBER 26: “LOVE THAT REVEALS”

The story of the call of Prophet Hosea is a revelation of the nature of God’s love for humanity. Under the reign of Jeroboam II, the northern kingdom of Israel had prospered materially, but had suffered spiritual decay. The people were greedy and had adopted the immoral behavior and idolatrous religions of the Canaanites, which met with God’s displeasure.

God picked Hosea as a vessel with whom to reveal to Israel the nature and extent of His love for them, it is difficult for one to imagine how Hosea felt when God instructed him to marry Gomer, a known prostitute, who would certainly be unfaithful to him since she was used to her wayward lifestyle. He may not have wanted to, but He obeyed any way. Hosea’s obedience served as an avenue for God to express in practical terms, His love for Israel despite their waywardness, which is described as prostitution.

Whatever God asks you to do, be sure He wants to use it to achieve a divine purpose. He makes Himself and His ways known through our obedience. Though it was a difficult thing for Abraham when God asked him to go sacrifice Isaac, his beloved son, yet when Abraham obeyed, God used it to show Himself as the God who would always provide for His people even if nothing seems to be available – Gen 22:1-19.

As you round off reading these lines, would you consider yourself readily available to obey God and do whatever He asks you to do no matter how difficult it seems to be? Can God use you to display His power, His love and His character? Think of these things.

PRAYER: Say like Isaiah, “Lord, here I am send me” (Isa 6:8), Amen.