Lesson for the Lord’s Day
The word of the Lord that came unto Hosea, the son of Beeri, in the days of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah, and in the days of Jeroboam, the son of Joash, king of Israel. Hosea 1:1
Hosea had a rather amazing ministry. The Lord told him to take for his wife a prostitute. That must have been extremely humiliating for a prophet, a man who had a close relationship with his God. And yet, no doubt because of his close relationship with the Lord, we read of no hesitation or questioning on Hosea’s part. He went and took Gomer for his wife, who bore children whose names were messages to the people of Judah and Israel. Hosea was totally faithful and obedient. Why would God place upon Hosea such a demanding and seemingly demeaning responsibility? I believe a look at Hosea’s name is the key.
The name Hosea means Salvation. He is in this situation a little illustration of the Lord Jesus, whose name means Saviour. Just as Hosea was instructed to enter into a relationship with a wicked woman, so the Lord Jesus was given the mission from His Father to come into this word to find for Himself a bride. And make no mistake, we are no better than Gomer, no matter how we like to consider ourselves respectable. And the Lord entered into great humiliation in order to purchase us for Himself. Just as Hosea was obedient, so too was God’s Perfect Servant. Our hearts smite us today with shame, as we recall how we have been unfaithful and faltering in our response to the love of God and the faithfulness of the Lord Jesus.
We appreciate God’s Salvation today. But as we do so, let no thought of pride enter our hearts. Our Salvation is possible only because our Saviour humbled Himself and submitted to His Father’s will. Thank Him for bringing us into His family! -Jim MacIntosh