Hosea 1-3

Hosea was a prophet God used during a period in Israel’s history when they were neck deep in idolatry. God commanded Hosea to marry a prostitute and then used this marriage as a visual illustration of Israel’s idolatry and unfaithfulness to him. Part of Hosea’s message was warning Israel of their impending end as a nation and their captivity. Yet, even in this, God offers a message of hope and restoration, letting the people know this would not be a permanent thing. It would be a tool to root out their idolatry and turn them back to the Lord.

When it comes to Hosea’s message, the issue wasn’t just Israel’s idolatry. No, it was that they were blatantly doing it without care for honoring the Lord. Every little bit of prosperity they had they attributed to their idol worship, failing to honor God. In many ways we act similarly, thinking what we have is by the work of our own hands. While true to an extent, all we have has been given to us by the Lord. As such, we need to recognize and honor him for all he has given us. As believers, because we have the Spirit of God in us, we should live a life that is faithful to the God who has called us.

Have you dishonored and forgotten to thank the Lord for all he has provided you with?