The Rev. Dr. Michael Morehouse, pastor of Catalina Lutheran Church in Tucson, AZ, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to Study Hosea 11.
This chapter is a powerful and emotional depiction of God's love for Israel, despite their constant rebellion and disobedience. God reveals himself to be both frustrated with Israel's sinful behavior, but also tenderly compassionate towards them. God's desire for His people to repent and be restored is evidence of the incredible depth of His love and mercy. It reminds us that no matter how far we may stray, God's love for us is unfailing and unending.
The book of Hosea is a love story with a twist. It tells how God commanded Hosea, a prophet, to marry Gomer, a wife who would be unfaithful to him. God wanted Hosea to feel firsthand the pain of betrayal as he sent him out to prophesy to the people of Israel how they had been unfaithful to God. Hosea still loved Gomer and pursued her and restored her as his wife. This was a picture of how God pursued Israel despite their sin and rebellion and offered them grace and mercy if they would return to Him.
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