God's Relentless Pursuit!

             This week my friends and I studied the life of Gomer from the book of Hosea as we wrapped up our study of the women of the Old Testament.  I think we all agreed that this was one of the most difficult readings for us but once we began to understand the parallelism between the story of Hosea and Gomer contrasted against God and His relationship with the Israelites, it all became clearer.

            Gomer betrayed her husband Hosea by committing adultery and having children with other men.  Yet, Hosea still redeemed her by purchasing her back from her life of prostitution.  Similarly, the Israelites turned their backs on the God who had saved them and instead worshipped idols.  Still, God ultimately redeemed them. 

            As we read and discussed the events of Hosea and Gomer’s lives, we came to realize several things about ourselves and God.

            First, just as Hosea redeemed Gomer by paying the price owed for a slave, Christ redeemed us by paying with His life.  I Corinthians 6: 20 makes it clear that we are “bought with a price” and I Peter 1: 19 tells us that the price was “the precious blood of Christ, a lamb, without blemish or defect” (NIV84).

            Secondly, even after Gomer had betrayed him, Hosea sought reconciliation with her.  In the same way, despite our sins, God always seeks reconciliation with us.  He does not tolerate unfaithfulness, but He will go to great lengths to win us back. 

            Finally, the story of Hosea and Gomer’s marriage is a foreshadowing of the Church as the Bride of Christ.  It should serve as a reminder that we must guard the Church against any form of betrayal of the one who has redeemed us.  We must remain true to His Word; we can’t pick and choose the parts we like and disregard the rest.  God is a jealous God and will not tolerate that kind of adultery.

            So, how should we respond to this message?  Give thanks that we serve a God who relentlessly pursues us.  None of us are perfect but He welcomes repentant hearts with open arms.  His desire is for us to be with Him forever.  Hosea 2: 19 says it best: “I will betroth you to me forever; I will betroth you in righteousness and justice, in love and compassion” (NIV84).  What an awesome God we serve!

Hosea 1, 2 & 3

I Peter 1: 17 - 19

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