“The story of the marriage is figurative” The Book of Hosea opens with the story of a man in marrying a woman who is unworthy of him. Hosea, which the book was named after him was called by God to take a wife – an adulterous woman, indeed a harlot. From this account we see that God is using marriage as a metaphor in showing how His people is an object of His great love despite of their unfaithfulness. This is a representation of God's amazing grace – an unmerited favor. God chose us yet we were still sinners. “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). From the first chapter of the book, Hosea obeyed God and took Gomer as his wife. He was willing to give up everything for the sake of the favor of God. It reminds me of how our Lord Jesus Christ gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawlessness deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works (Titus 2:14) As Hosea was married to an adulterous woman, so God married the unfaithful Israel. Through the story of Hosea's marriage we see how God shows His amazing love towards Israel. Israel on the time of Hosea were in wickedness, they does things that were unpleasing to His sight. But because of the great love that flows within His heart. He is willing to win her back and be His bridegroom. Marriage was frequently used by God in symbolizing His relation to His bride – the Church. It is a metaphor that illustrates His closeness relationship and the depth of His love to all believers. Today, Jesus Christ is the bridegroom and we are His bride. We are purchased by His blood and redeem us from unrighteousness. In Revelation 19: 9 it says “Blessed are those who are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb!”. How glorious it is, we have an intimate relation to our Almighty God.
W Medel
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