Hosea 1:2
‘When the LORD first spoke through Hosea, the LORD said to Hosea, “Go, take for yourself a wife inclined to infidelity, and children of infidelity; for the land commits flagrant infidelity, abandoning the LORD.”’
This is a hard ask. The spouse and children are some of the most important parts of one’s life. God asks Hosea to choose troublesome ones. They will break his heart.
Why does He ask this of the prophet? The verse tells us. Israel was unfaithful to God. God’s heart was broken. Hosea’s wife and children were to be living examples for the land.
Hosea was a good man. While the people are often unhappy with their prophets, they can’t deny that they are godly. Some may have been sad for him. Some may have repented because of his example.
God can ask hard things of us. Like giving, we would prefer to keep what’s ours. However, all who have given know that God out gives us. It’s not even close. Malachi 3:10 says, ‘”Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, so that there may be food in My house. Test Me in this,” says the LORD of Hosts. “See if I will not open the windows of heaven and pour out for you blessing without measure.”‘
While it’s true God will ask a hard thing from time to time, the balance of things is not hard. Psalm 23 says, “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” We have His peace. Philippians 4:7 says, “And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” It not only provides tranquility in our lives, but it ‘s one of the defenses God gives us. It guards our hearts and minds. It’s also a moment by moment reminder that God is with us. Thank You, Lord.
While we will have to do hard things, by comparison, it’s not hard at all. Hosea was a type that would be for all mankind. So was Job, however, by comparison our lives are a vacation.
It’s a privilege to suffer for Christ. I John 2:14a says, “I have written to you, fathers, because you know Him who is from the beginning.” There’s much to this tiny verse. Fathers are those who have walked with Christ for a lifetime. These are the most blessed. Surrounding verses speak of children and young men. Those are great stages. But the fathers (and mothers) have been through those stages and have learned. They have walked with God. They know He is good and will be with them and bless them and their families forever. Mature like all those things that improve with age.
Moses is an example of a spiritual father. Hebrews 11:24-26 says, “By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, choosing rather to endure ill-treatment with the people of God than to enjoy the temporary pleasures of sin, considering the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt; for he was looking to the reward.” That’s quality. That’s character. Thank You, Lord for this example.
We’ll see what God has in store for us. He will equip us for whatever it is. It won’t be too difficult. I Corinthians 10:13 says, “No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide an escape, so that you can stand up under it.” He will provide marvelously.
Lord, use us as You see fit. Thank You that whatever it is it will by good. You are the master, You are the potter.