By Staff
We are independent. We are free. We are rugged individualists. We have rights. We have the power to say no.
All of the above statements are true of us as citizens of America. But as citizens of the Kingdom of God, all of those statements must bow to the overruling power of the Living God of Heaven.
In our thinking, obedience is optional. We analyze each command and weigh the positives of obedience against the negatives of disobedience.
Based on our analysis, we respond to the command. If the benefits outweigh the conflicts, we obey. Otherwise, we do our own thing.
The Old Testament prophet Hosea had a very high view of obedience. He assumed the commands and direction of God to be absolute authority.
In the Old Testament book of Hosea, chapter 1, verse 2, we are told, "The Lord began to speak by Hosea." We are not told the qualifications of a prophet, but we assume God looked for men who had a heart for Him. Hosea had walked before God in such a way that God could trust him with His message.
The first stated command from God to Hosea was, "Go, take yourself a wife of harlotry and children of harlotry" (Hosea 1:2). Bible scholars differ in their opinions as to whether Gomer was a harlot at the time Hosea married her, or if she turned to harlotry in the course of the marriage.
It would not be prudent for a priest to marry a harlot; thus, it would be forbidden. Hosea, however, was a prophet, and in God's providence, I don't understand how a godly person could be told to marry a harlot. Regardless, we do know it was to be an affliction, and with Hosea, the life of the messenger was the message.
The nation of Israel had rejected God and played the harlot by worshipping idols and false god systems. God's heart was broken that His people would reject Him. Because God is full of mercy, love, and forgiveness, He desired to bring the people back to Him.
Therefore, He fashioned the prophet Hosea to speak to the people. God seemed to determine that Hosea needed a broken heart to be most effective; thus, the ordeal with Gomer.
Whether Gomer was a harlot or became a harlot, she deserted Hosea and went after other lovers. Apart from Hosea indexing the mind of God, he could have been hard and unforgiving.
He would have had no gospel; he would have been one more stern censor of sin and a preacher of righteousness.
As the heart of God yearned for Israel, Hosea yearned for Gomer. Hosea provided her food, clothing, and money through all her harlotry (Hosea 2:8).
God then told Hosea to go and win Gomer back. God said in Hosea, chapter 3, verse 1, "Go again, love a woman who is loved by a lover and is committing adultery, just like the love of the Lord for the children of Israel." Hosea paid fifteen shekels of silver and one and a half homers of barley to have Gomer come back (Hosea 3:1-2).
Hosea's life was not easy, but he was an effective messenger for God because he had a high view of obedience. We never see a hint of rebellion or backing up on God even though his life had to be miserable.
God loves people. The gospel is a message of love and forgiveness. As Hosea went after Gomer in the midst of her sin, so God comes after us while we are still in our sin. Hosea redeemed Gomer. God has redeemed us with the blood of his Son, Jesus Christ.
It is all about obedience.