Hosea Chapter 1

Scripture Reading: Read Hosea Chapter 1.  

Prostitution in Church:

Hosea 1:2 – "When the LORD first began speaking to Israel through Hosea, he said to him, "Go and marry a prostitute, so that some of her children will be conceived in prostitution.  This will illustrate how Israel has acted like a prostitute by turning against the LORD and worshiping other gods." (NLT)

Hosea is one of those books that doesn't fit very well into the polished Christian church. This book opens with a startling command from God, telling the prophet Hosea to marry a prostitute. There are differing opinions from scholars on whether Gomer had already been a prostitute or if God was promising Hosea that his wife would be unfaithful in the future. Either way, this is a strange request from God!  

As we progress through this book, we'll gain a better understanding of why God directed Hosea to marry Gomer, the prostitute. Here, in chapter one, we see how the names of her children carry significant messages that God has for the unfaithful nation of Israel.  

One of the lessons we can see from this incredible book is Hosea's obedience. The command of God for Hosea to marry a prostitute was unusual, and I can imagine it must've been socially awkward. Can you imagine bringing your new bride, a prostitute, into your church when everyone knows she's a prostitute? We can only imagine how difficult this must have been for Hosea, yet he obeyed God.  

Another lesson in chapter one concerns the names of Hosea's children, which mean God scatters, not loved, and not my people. These names certainly sound harsh, but they reflect the reality of Israel's rebellion from God. But praise the Lord; one day, God will redeem His people and turn these names around. God will gather His scattered people, God's people will experience His love, and they will return to the Lord as His people.  

Reflection:  How is the Lord calling you to walk in obedience? How have you experienced God gathering you into a loving relationship with Him?