Devo: Hosea 2:15-23

The book of Hosea is packed! I’m only in chapter 2 but boy! There is so much to digest.

“Therefore, behold, I will allure her, will bring her into the wilderness, and speak comfort to her.”

God said in verse 14 that He would allure her (referring to Israel). Merriam-Webster defines “allure” (verb) as “to entice by charm or attraction”.

The Israelites were unfaithful to God and yet, God had mercy on them. He didn’t force them to return to Him. Instead, He gently led them to Him. He “allured” them and not “forced” them.

“And it shall be, in that day,” says the LORD, “That you will call Me ‘My Husband,’ and no longer call Me ‘My Master,’ for I will take from her mouth the names of the Baals, and they shall be remembered by their name no more.” v. 16

In verse 2, God said, “…for she is not My wife, nor am I her Husband!” But in verse 16, He said, “That you will call Me, ‘My Husband'”.

God wanted to restore the broken relationship with the Israelites. The terms “wife” and “husband” show an intimate relationship and God used those terms to emphasize that He wants us to have an intimate relationship with Him. He wants us to be fully committed to Him.

He used the term “allure” because He doesn’t want us to be in a relationship with Him out of fear but out of love. He doesn’t want us to obey Him out of fear of the consequences of sin but out of deep love for Him. He doesn’t want us to be His slaves. God wants obedience based on love. He wants us to enjoy our relationship with Him.

“God was not satisfied with a fear-based, obedience-focused relationship with His people where they thought of Him primarily as Master. He wanted a relationship where they thought of Him primarily as Husband.” enduringword.com

“‘It shall come to pass in that day that I will answer,’ says the LORD…” v. 21

“This is great blessing of real, vibrant relationship with God. Our hearts beat in rhythm to His, and so we want what He wants. So when we ask God to do things, we already ask what He wants to do – so He will answer.” enduringword.com

When we surrender to God, our dreams become intertwined with HIS dreams. He answers our desires because those are His desires, too. God answers our prayers according to His will.

“If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you.” John 15:7

“The earth shall answer with grain, with new wine, and with oil…” v. 22

If our hearts are right with God, He provides aplenty.

2nd child – “Lo-Ruhamah” – It means “No mercy”

3rd child – “Lo-Ammi” – It means “Not My people”

Their names that are marks of judgment were restored.

“I will have mercy on her who had not obtained mercy…”

“Then I will say to those who were not My people, ‘You are My people!'”

“And they shall say, ‘You are my God!'” v. 23

This shows complete restoration. Wow. God is merciful and loving.