Our jealous God demands faithfulness

Hosea lived about the same time as Amos, during the last days of Israel. The Lord told hosea to compare Israel's loyalty to Him with the faithfulness of a wife to her husband. Hosea loved his wife just as God loves the church (His bride). Tragically, their wives were unfaithful. Israel left her true husband (God) to pursue a pagan husband (Baal) and become his prostitute. Heartbroken, God pleaded with Israel to return and be faithful. But Israel refused to listen.

The parallel between Gomer's adultery and Israel's betrayal of God graphically teaches the meaning of repentance, forgiveness, and love. Hosea, whose name means "salvation, " tried to save his wife from prostitution just as God desired that His people repent of their adultery. Israel's sin resulted in judgment, captivity, and deportation by the Assyrians.

God became angry at Israel's continual betrayals, and He rejected them as His people. Only Judah remained in God's favor. Guard your relationship with the Lord, because God our creator, redeemer, and salvation has the right to demand and expect faithfulness. Although Israel sinned, God's love offered hope and a remnant was restored.