Would you believe that God told a man to marry a prostitute? That sounds crazy does it not? But, it is true. God told Hosea to marry Gomer, a prostitute. And, Hosea did as God commanded.
Not only did Hosea marry Gomer, but he also stayed faithful to her when she failed him. Imagine that happening today? Would you stay with your spouse if they were unfaithful to you? I have to admit that I would not stay with someone who cheated on me.
Hosea faced an even more challenging battle. Gomer gave birth to children that were not his during their marriage.
God used Hosea and Gomer to represent how the people of Israel lived at the time. They worshiped other Gods, much in the same way our society is full of people doing as Israel did during that period.
When the lord first began speaking to Israel through Hosea, he said to him, “Go and marry a prostitute, Or a promiscuous woman. so that some of her children will be conceived in prostitution. This will illustrate how Israel has acted like a prostitute by turning against the lord and worshiping other gods.” – Hosea 1:2 NLT
God commanded that the children have specific names, one of which meant, “Not loved.” Imagine having a child named not loved, and God at one point did this to tell Israel, he had no love for them.
Marry a prostitute who birthed children not of you
And, yet another child came with God instructing them to name the baby “Lo-ammi,” or ‘Not my people.' This child is from another father.
And then the time came, the people of Israel joined with those of Judah, having God come back into their life.
Think about how this story from the Old Testament is relevant to many we know today? Do we have people we know living out this story? What about our neighbors, friends, and family? We have a high chance that this story rings true in some fashion.
Are we as strong as Hosea to show love and compassion for Gomer despite the betrayal of the relationship? How are we working to help those like Gomer find Christ?
We start by turning to the Lord in everything we do. When we have struggled with others, and we work towards a Godly life. Will you do what God tells you to do?