God Loves Protectively & Faithfully
Backgrounder on Hosea 1-3:
To the nation of Israel, a land
steeped in idolatry, God sends
the prophet Hosea, whose name
means salvation. Just as God
foretold, Gomer deserts her
husband for other lovers-a graphic
depiction of Israel’s faithlessness
in response to God’s loyal love.
When Gomer sinks to the level
of a slave, Hosea is commanded
to buy her back, for she is still
his wife. In the same way the God
of Israel pledges His continuing
love for His people, even though
their spiritual adultery will result
in captivity and enslavement
at the hands of the Assyrians.
Lord, raise Yr Hedge of Protection:
I will Fence her in with thornbushes.
I will block the road to make her
lose her way. When she runs
after her lovers, she won’t be
able to catch up with them.
She will search for them but
not find them. Then she will say:
I will go and Return to my first
husband for then it was better
for me than now (Hos 2:6-7).
I Will Win her back once again…
I will… speak tenderly to her there…
In that day, says the Lord,
you will call me my husband
instead of my master (v14-16).
I will make you my wife forever…
I Will Be Faithful to you and
make you mine (v19-20) Amen.
Lord, build a Hedge of thorns to
separate friends and loved ones
from influence not ordained by You.
I pray that those who are a bad
influence will lose interest & flee
and that my loved one would
lose interest in them as well.
May that Hedge of thorns defend
against any contact with those
who are out of Your will. Amen.
Lord, You are holy and want us to
walk straight and narrow paths.
For loved ones who don’t have
the wisdom to see destructive
path or the discipline to keep
away from it, won’t You put
a hedge of thorns around them.
And teach me to pray with faith
and perseverance, knowing that
nothing is impossible to You.
Help me to wait trusting You and
expect for the breakthrough. Amen.
Lord, Thank You for Your nature
to love Your people relentlessly.
And though You hate sin, You love
us & is single-minded Pursing us.
So, even when I feel unworthy,
I want You and I choose You,
to Pursue You and be with You.
I know that any insecurity in
our relationship is unfounded.
And I accept the gift of restored
relationship with open arms. Amen
