The book of Hosea equates to Jesus’ parable of the prodigal son, who leaves home with his inheritance, wastes it and returns home remorseful, only to be welcomed by the father with open arms.

Hosea’s story is a personal tragedy which is used by God as a wonderful message for His people. Hosea married at God’s direction, someone he knew would be unfaithful. Hosea was told to marry a woman worthless in character, in fact was a prostitute. Hosea married Gomer and had three children and then sold herself back to prostitution. But Hosea loved her. He went and found her paid a ransom to get her out of bondage, and she came home.

God is like this. He loves us so much, despite what we have done to Him. He is calling, He is looking, come back home to Him and He will forgive you.

Gomer came back and humbled herself, but sadly the people of God who were warned with prophecy didn’t return.

Hosea’s message was a call to return to God and He will return to you. Hosea’s name means salvation. He was God’s voice to the people. The people rejected the message, Israel was destroyed by Assyria in 722 BC The people were scattered, but they remembered the words and one day there would be a restoration.

God’s love never ends and that is true for everyone who belongs to God’s family, even those who run off in the wrong direction.

God’s arms are open still.

Maybe you have been away from God and think He couldn’t possibly love me.

Return to Him. Be repentant. Start afresh. Our Lord and friend is waiting.

Let us finish with Hosea 6:1

“Let us return to the Lord. He has torn us pieces but he will heal us. He has injured us, but He will bind up our wounds.”

God is waiting with His HEALING BALM no matter what you have done or deserve.

O F J