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