Hosea 3 Devotions by Stephen Taylor

Hosea 3:1

The LORD said to me, “Go, show your love to your wife again, though she is loved by another man and is an adulteress. Love her as the LORD loves the Israelites, though they turn to other gods and love the sacred raisin cakes.”

How can we not fall in love with a God like this? He points out their sinful idolatry, and at the same time, He points out His faithful steadfast love for them. It’s amazing to me how deeply and faithfully the LORD loves His people. Yes, He loves the whole world (that is why He sent Christ to pay for us), but His love for His people runs even deeper; it is a more intimate and personal love.

I have heard it said that it takes a perfect God to love imperfect people, and I couldn’t agree more. We are so hard to love at times – obstinate, thick-headed, and rebellious – yet the God of all creation pursues us in love. Let this verse encourage you in this truth as well: God knows where you have been and all that you have done, and He wants you anyway! He desires for you to turn from those things that are destroying you to the only One who can save you.

He knew exactly what the Israelites were up to, yet His love did not fade or fail. It’s so important that they/we understand this that He has Hosea live this truth out in front of them. He gave them a physical picture of a spiritual truth. So for each of us, we must know that God loves us more than we could ever imagine, and if we want to go deeper into that love, then we must surrender to His Son. If we want to be lavished with the Heavenly gift, we must forsake our fallen and flawed ways. Each of us must make our own choice, but none of us have to go it alone! He is with us, and He has given us each other for the journey ahead!

Colossians 3:12-14- Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

God bless! I love you all, but His love holds us together and makes the way! Glory, honor, and praise now and forever to Papa God, Jesus Christ our King, and the Holy Spirit!