During the eighth century B.C., an Old Testament minor prophet named Hosea ministered in Israel’s northern kingdom, faithfully preaching the word of God. However, the nation failed to repent. Though financially prosperous, God’s people fell into pagan worship and gross immorality. Eventually, a military superpower called the Assyrians overtook them. 

 

God gave Hosea one of the worst ministry assignments ever—to marry a prostitute named Gomer and have children. Their tragic marriage and family became a dramatic sermon, illustrating Israel’s spiritual adultery. 

 

Hosea’s story is worth remembering because there’s still time for us to repent and return to the Lord our God. Spiritual adultery grieves the heart of God, but God’s love is greater and more scandalous than our sin.

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“Every detail in our lives of love for God is worked into something good.”

Romans 8:28 MSG