Today’s Reading, Hosea 1-7
Focal Scripture: Hosea 3:1 “Then the Lord said to me, “Go again; show love to a woman who is loved by another man and is an adulteress, just as the Lord loves the Israelites though they turn to other gods and love raisin cakes.””
Patience is not just a virtue it is a gift from the Holy Spirit. I believe that the most patient people are those who have a deep relationship with the Lord. My wife is one of those people who is patient and kind. She cares for people, but is also willing to meet them wherever they are, no matter how long it takes. Her personality reflects the work God has done in her heart. It reflects her spiritual condition.
In today’s reading we see God use the prophet Hosea to demonstrate his patience and care for the people. Remember that Hosea’s wife has been unfaithful numerous times. However, he is to be patient with her and take her back even though she is an adulterous. Why? He is being a real life example of the way God treats the nation of Israel. They continually give themselves to other people but God is patient with them and takes them back.
We need to be thankful for this truth because God is patient and kind with us everyday. Just as Israel kept having a spiritual affair on the Lord we do the same in our own lives. We make a declaration that we love the Lord then turn around and give our hearts to our children, our jobs, or even things we do for leisure.
When we think about the Lord, we need to be a people that understands just how kind and patient the Lord is with us everyday. He has every right to take us out when we give our hearts to another. However, he shows us love and patience. He demonstrates forgiveness and takes us back when we admit our mistakes. He doesn’t define us by our mistakes.
Be encouraged today that the Lord loves you and is doing a work in you. Know that the Lord will give you many chances to do right things and turn to him. He will not hold your sin against you unless you reject his gift of forgiveness. Just as Hosea took back his adulterous wife, so the Lord will take us back when we repent and run to him.
He is patient and kind. He is worthy of all praise.
Tomorrow, I plan on reading Hosea 8-14
