Prepare: Psalm 119:21-24

You rebuke the insolent, accursed ones,
    who wander from your commandments.
Take away from me scorn and contempt,
    for I have kept your testimonies.
Even though princes sit plotting against me,
    your servant will meditate on your statutes.
Your testimonies are my delight;
    they are my counselors.

Read:

Hosea 1:1-3:5

Think:

This unique minor prophet (not unimportant, just shorter) “records the Lord’s relationship to Israel in terms of Hosea’s own unfortunate marriage” (Sailhamer). Hosea’s faithfulness to a sinful wife illustrates God’s covenant faithfulness to a wayward Israel. How does the naming of the children in Ch. 1 illustrate both God’s judgment and his covenant faithfulness and grace? Similarly, how does the poetry of Ch. 2 illustrate both judgment and faithfulness? Ponder the meaning of the promise in 3:5. What is its fulfillment?

Pray:

Pray a prayer of praise to God for his faithfulness! Rejoice that God, in covenant love, sent his Son Jesus to be the Savior and Redeemer of his people. Thank God for his willingness to save you from your sin and deliver you forever to the new heavens and new earth. Ask God to move mightily in our own wayward and sinful nation. Ask him to send revival by the power of the Holy Spirit. Cling to the hope of God’s goodness in these “latter days.” Maranatha!

Sing:

The song Hosea, by Andrew Peterson artfully expresses how our God remains faithful to us, even when we are unfaithful to him.