PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Hosea 1-2
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“Therefore I am now going to allure her…” (Hosea 2:14)
This is a live-action prophecy, drawn out in time (time for 2 children to be born).
It is also disturbing: Hosea is to marry a prostitute and curse his kids with negative names.
But this is how the Lord experiences Israel’s unfaithfulness, despite his love.
Thankfully, it also shows how far the Lord will go with sinners to win them back.
The word ‘allure’ is a translation of a word that means to be open to, to make room.
It implies an open invitation or a warm welcome, like inviting them into your home.
This is the gracious ‘wooing’ that the Lord does for sinners, tax collectors and prostitutes.
The religious leaders were upset because of Jesus’s unfaithfulness, but he IS being faithful.
Faithful to the children created in God’s image, faithful to to children of the promise.
How often do I as a Jesus follower go out of my way to allure people to Jesus?
How often do I do the opposite: avoid, shame, refuse to welcome, close my door?
The Lord is open with sinners… in live action, drawn out in time.
The Lord does not give up, like we do, but remains faithful even when we are not.
Even if the church closes the door, the Lord remains open, alluring, shockingly close!
PRAYER
Lord, like Gomer it is not our worthiness or repentance that unites you to us, but your faithful love and compassion. Thank you for your alluring love which does not give up on us.
Disobedient people – sinners that’s who we are. We are rejected – but God promises: “I will show my love to the one I called ‘Not my loved one.[l]’ I will say to those called ‘Not my people,[m]’ ‘You are my people’; and they will say, ‘You are my God.’” God’s love for us is undeserved and unexpected. God reached out and sent Jesus and Jesus paved the way for us to return to God – to be children of God and that is what we are. Rejected without Jesus – but children with Jesus. God’s love is genuine not like Hosea being told to marry a prostitute and to ‘love’ her. So, when it comes to people whom I consider “not my people” – what am I to do? Lord help me to express your love for them – loving you and loving my neighbour even the ‘not-my-people’ category. Lord, help me to do so and make me willing to what I can.
Like the lost son, Jesus does not give up on His people but welcomes them for we are His and He is mine and His banner over me is love. He is our /my God and even when I stray He welcomes me back as His child. What love the Father has for His children! Thank You Lord. Lead me always.
Behold what manner of love
The Father has given unto us,
Behold what manner of love
The Father has given unto us,
That we should be called the sons of God,
That we should be called the sons of God.