Betrothed to the Lord Forever

Hosea 2:19-20 | July 22 - 28, 2023

“And I will betroth you to me forever. I will betroth you to me in righteousness and in justice, in steadfast love and in mercy. I will betroth you to me in faithfulness. And you shall know the LORD.” ~ Hosea 2:19-20

The Book of Hosea demonstrates God’s loyalty to His betrothed—even when His betrothed go astray.

During Hosea’s time ministering to the northern kingdom of Israel, they were experiencing prosperity and growth. But below the surface, moral and spiritual depravity reigned. Through His servant, Hosea, God showed Israel an accurate portrait of themselves.

In verse 2, God instructs Hosea, “Take yourself a wife of harlotry and children of harlotry, for the land has committed great harlotry by departing from the Lord.”

Hosea married Gomer, a harlot who was repeatedly unfaithful. Yet through it all, Hosea refused to forsake her. He did not accept her sin, but he continued to love Gomer, provide for her, and compel her to that close and personal relationship God seeks with each of us.

Gomer’s dissatisfaction with her betrothed is a mystery, yet it is a mystery that afflicted most of Israel at the time—a mystery that still afflicts many of us.

Discontentment in God’s provision reveals itself in the pleasures we seek.

We are not unlike Gomer when we seek pleasure elsewhere, yet God says to us, as He said to Gomer, “Behold, I will allure her, will bring her into the wilderness, and speak comfort to her.”

In times of unfaithfulness, may we be quick to repent and remember the steadfast love of God for us. He is calling.

Heavenly Father,
We thank you that we are betrothed to you forever.
Let us bask in Your tender mercies.
Let us seek pleasure only in You.
~ Amen