Hosea 3
This chapter in Hosea is strange at best to us. What we need to remember is that this whole episode is to be an illustration for those seeing it and for us who are reading it. As you read this should see a couple of things.
1. As you read this story remember that we are the wife, not Hosea. This is a story of redemption. Christ did not come to us to rescue good people. We are sinners who have lived in complete rebellion against Him. We have left our loving husband to chase after idols.
2. Redemption has a cost. In this story the cost for Hosea was significant. The cost for your salvation came with an infinitely higher cost. Jesus had to die on the cross for you and me.
3. Redemption has expectations for the redeemed. Like Hosea’s redeemed wife, we cannot treat salvation cheaply. It came at a cost and it is of infinite value. To live with a holy God, we must live a holy life.
Leviticus 11:45 ESV
For I am the LORD who brought you up out of the land of Egypt to be your God. You shall therefore be holy, for I am holy.”
And repeated in the New Testament:
1 Peter 1:14-16 ESV
As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, (15) but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, (16) since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.”
4. The last verse in this short chapter helps us to understand that the truly redeemed will live with an ever-increasing love for their redeemer. Holiness will move from something you do to something you love and something that is who you are.
I hope that you will find this helpful as you read through Gods’ word today!
Pastor Jonathan Welch
