A Great Love Story Rarely Told

ONE OF THE GREATEST LOVE STORIES RARELY TOLD (and more rarely lived out)

No butterflies in the stomach or cupids' arrows flying here.

God is still looking for someone to espouse the vow of rescuing the perishing; even those who claim that they do not want to be saved.

Text to read: Hosea 2:16,17; 3:1-5

We get thrilled over love stories like Romeo and Juliet, or even our personal adventures of conquering our sweetheart, but the Word of God tells us of a prophet who he called to not only preach about or to, a woman of low life morals, but God called Hosea to actually be an illustrated sermon. It wasn't going to end in 30 or even 45 minutes; but Hosea was going to spend some years in this challenge that God commanded him to do.

Yes, I believe that this happened to show us a type of wayward, backslidden people and nations (specifically Israel). I also believe that this was an actual historical event to teach us the importance of endurance and persistence in seeking the lost. As well, it allows us to understand the personal sacrifice and laying aside of personal ambitions to save those whom God loves while the world and even the church (at times) has deemed as worthless and undeserving.

Hymn: Lord Lay Some Soul Upon My Heart and Love that Soul Through Me

In Hosea 2:16, God explains a little about the end result of the matter, if Hosea follows through to the end with his assignment. (also, Israel)

Two terms: Ishi and Baali

Ishi = beloved husband

Baali = master, as in reference to idol worship

Historic reference: the norther kingdom of Israel was in a time of peace and financial upswing, yet they were in deep moral decline. 4 lesser-known kings had served only a few months each, and the fibers of society were falling apart.

In the midst of all the turmoil, a man of God arises. Hosea is a young man with a heart to serve the Lord and do his bidding.

God begins to show him his burden for Israel. Despite His never-ending love and faithfulness, God is dealing with a people who are set on their backslidings and adulterous ways.

So, God decides to have Hosea understand His burden.

The name Hosea is a derivative of the name Joshua, Yeshua, and Jesus' name is aligned with that name.

Now, this love story is not one filled with romantic details, but it is a true love story. It is a show of commitment, faithfulness to the call, and patience.

Marriage is one man and one woman for life----without exceptions.

Could God still be calling those who "love without limits" to be able to save the despicable and destitute? I believe that He still does.

Hosea finds a beautiful young lady named Gomer. She had her worldly ways and all, but God told Hosea to marry her and show her unconditional love.

They marry and things seem to okay at the beginning.

I. Keeping Vow when Passion Cools

Gomer becomes restless and has desires for her former way of life. She was known to be a flirty woman with low morals.

Hosea and Gomer have their first child. They name him Jezreel. That is the same name of a battle sight in the Old Testament. This is probably an indication of the present state of marriage.

How often is the church like Gomer? The passion cools off and it is evident in our relationship with the Lord. Other interests of life begin to take higher priority.

II. God Pleads for a Faithful Wife (church)

In marriage, there is no room for other lovers. God is a jealous God.

Despite the pleadings of God and Hosea, Gomer wonders out and commits unfaithful acts.

Hosea continues faithful, regardless of the actions of his wife. Oh, that we could get ahold of that concept.

Neither should our love and commitment wane when everything goes the opposite of what we have worked and prayed for.

*Even more so, God is looking for faithful children, who will not let up in pursuing the unfaithful. THIS IS OUR CALLING.

III. God recognizes Feigned (pretended) Love (more commonly called Lip Service)

Hosea 1:6 tells of a second child born to Gomer. Her name was Lo-ruhama, which means "not beloved" (no mercy).

Then in 1:8,9 another child is born. His name was Lo-ammi; which means --"not related to me".

The marriage relation has become chaotic, to say the least.

At this point, Gomer becomes absent more frequently from the home.

We can only surmise about the times that Hosea went out looking for his wayward wife and bringing her back home to nurse her.

I'm sure that Hosea had a lot of extra work around the home and caring for his children.