Called by God: Hosea

What percentage of those married commit adultery? The statistics range from 20-70%, but the results are unreliable. The best guess is that 50% of both men and women have sex outside of marriage at least once. These statistics are a sad reflection on fidelity in marriage; but the worst part is that the results are no different among Christians. The findings demonstrate what a powerful force sex is in our lives, and how we constantly need to be vigilant lest we fall.

Background
We know very little about the prophet of Hosea. His ministry spanned 60 years and focused on warnings to the northern kingdom of Israel. Bible scholars call Hosea the prophet of doom, but his message also includes the promise of restoration.

Calling
Hosea’s calling is probably the most unique in the entire Bible. His family life was to serve as a symbolic illustration of Israel’s relationship with God. The Lord called Hosea to marry an adulterous woman, like Israel had married foreign gods. “Go, take yourself an adulterous wife and children of unfaithfulness, because the land is guilty of the vilest adultery in departing from the Lord.” ¹

Response
Hosea obeyed the Lord and married a prostitute named Gomer. They had three children whose names were also symbolic. God told Hosea to name his first son “God will scatter,” his daughter “No mercy” and his youngest son “Not My people.” ² Once again, Hosea obeyed. Eventually, like Israel leaving God for false gods, Hosea’s wife left him for another man.

Calling Clarified
After Gomer’s desertion, God clarified the calling. “… Go, show your love to your wife again, though she is loved by another man and is an adulteress. Love her as the Lord loves the Israelites, though they turn to other gods …” ³

Response
Like God’s love for Israel, Hosea continued to love Gomer despite her unfaithfulness. Like the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, Hosea purchased Gomer in order to redeem her from slavery and told her that she must no longer be a prostitute. Thereafter, Gomer remained faithful to her husband.

Meaning

• You may not understand your calling, but obey it anyways
• Your calling will affect every aspect of your life, especially your family
• Your calling may require a tremendous personal cost and sacrifice
• Your calling may result in a great deal of personal pain and suffering
• Your calling may be counter-cultural and counter-intuitive
• Your calling may serve as a living example of God’s character
• Your calling may be clarified and refined over time

Summary
Your life story may serve as a living example of God’s larger story – what God’s plans are for this generation. Your calling may cost you everything – relationships, reputation and money. It’s possible that your calling will bring you emotional pain and relational suffering. God calls you to obey Him, not to understand or agree with Him.

Prayer
“Lord, Your call is serious and sobering business. Strengthen me. Amen.”

1. Hosea 1:2
2. Hosea 1:4-11
3. Hosea 3:2

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