Hosea 1-4 The Heart of God & His people
Hosea was a prophet to the northern kingdom of Israel for 45+/- yrs. He told the message God had given him, and he lived a life with an unfaithful wife along with three children who would hear playmates, perhaps, mock their names. Through it all, Hosea remained faithful to his calling as a prophet of God. We sometimes are called to a mission, but when the hard times come, we fail for lack of vision or a lack of steadfastness. God knew exactly who he should call to speak to his errant children; He needed a man of strong character and disposition. Hosea fit the bill to demonstrate the broken heart of God: “Go, show love to your wife again, even though she loves another man and continually commits adultery. Likewise, the Lord loves the Israelites although they turn to other gods.” [Hosea 3:1] Later, God would explain why: “Because there is no faithfulness or kindness Or knowledge of God in the land.” [Hosea 4:1] His people are dying spiritually not because they did not know but because they refused His discipline and love. They might have been unfaithful like Hosea’s wife Gomer, but God remained faithful…even as his heart was breaking.

Where am I unfaithful like Gomer (a picture of unfaithful Israel,)

or where am I like Hosea, strong and steadfast?