Gift of God Devotional

Read Hosea chapter 1.

I cannot imagine being in Hosea’s position here. Hosea, a man of God, is being told to marry a “promiscuous” woman by God (someone we might would call a “whore”, someone who is not faithful and is sleeping around). And then, for each of the children she gives Hosea, God tells him what to name them – all symbols of Israel’s deeds ultimate punishment. Jezreel, for the massacre there. Lo-Ruhamah, meaning “not loved”, for God no longer shows them love. Lo-Ami, which means “not my people”, for God no longer claimed them as His. Could I marry someone and name my children like this, all for the symbol of God’s disdain?

But there’s a promise at the end of this chapter: the Israelites will be immeasurable, and be reunited with Judah one day. One day, they will be called “children of the living God”. That promise was fulfilled through Jesus and also applies to us today – we are the children of the living God. We are the people of Israel. Praise God that we are loved and His!