I’m excited Kitchen Table Bible Study will be starting a new book called God’s Relentless Love: A Study of Hosea later in January. There are many reasons I’m excited for this book. First, this is the first time this group has done a study on a specific book of the Bible so it will be a fun change. Second, many books of the minor prophets aren’t studied so it’s something new for me to look forward to. Third, I find the book of Hosea humbling and interesting.
My first year at the National Youth Gathering, one session I attended with other youth and our pastor’s wife talked about sexuality. During the session, the speaker talked about different aspects of his ministry including taking a mostly female team with him to questionable conventions. This team learned heartbreaking things talking to the young ladies (late teens, early twenties) there. Most importantly, every single one said they were just looking for love either now or when they started.
There are many ways to respond to someone entrenched in their sin. Most of the women were ashamed and disgusted with themselves. I know I can relate. I know my sins cause me shame and are disgusting to God and others. There are times I felt like God or others couldn’t love me. Yet, God still does, relentlessly. That is one major point of the book of Hosea. Another point is how God responds to Israel’s continued sin of idolatry.
God uses Hosea’s life as a lesson to the people of Israel and to us. God commands Hosea to take a prostitute for a wife. That means he was to marry her and love her. Later, Gomer, Hosea’s wife, leaves Hosea. God commands Hosea to rescue her and buy her back. Does this sound familiar? Jesus had to buy us back from our sin using his holy, precious blood as the price. God calls Hosea to live a unique life to show how much God loves the people of Israel. God also gives Israel a message full of consequences and hope. Israel kept lusting after other gods and left the one who rescued, provided for, and loved them. It also shows God’s righteousness, steadfast love, and mercy to His people. All are welcome to purchase the book God’s Relentless Love: A Study of Hosea and or read the book of Hosea to discover God’s message to His people (and to us) at that time. Women are welcome to join us for Kitchen Table Bible Study on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of the month, starting January 25th to do this study together.