Before Reading.
- Centering prayer— Pray for illumination, “Lord, open my heart and mind by the power of the Holy Spirit,” and remain in silence.
Reading.
- Read slowly, keeping any words or phrase that come to your mind, and mark on them.
- Close eyes and meditate on what you read.
- Take a note if you have question, inspiration.
Read Hosea 1
Overview
Hosea’s calling.
The book of Hosea is one of twelve minor Prophets in the Old Testament. He was a prophet during the time of king Uzziah to Hezekiah in Judah, 783-687 BC, prophesying for both Northern kingdom of Israel and for Southern kingdom of Judah.
God commanded Hosea to act out his prophecy by marrying Gomel, a harlot, having children to express divine message to Israel, breaking the covenant by adultery, God’s dealing with adulterous Israel. Two children’s names by God’s command are prophetically significant expressing God’s relationship to the people of Israel; Lo-Ruhamah meaning not loved, Lo-Amni meaning not my people.
Israel’s punishment is not final, “Yet the Israelites will be like the sand on the seashore, which cannot be measured or counted.” (v.10). This is the prophecy of God’s redemption keeping the covenant God made with Abraham (Genesis 22:17).
God does not punish his people for its own sake. But God disciplines them to renew the covenant relationship by God’s love and mercy, and by their repentance.
1. What does this passage tell you about God?
2. What does this passage tell you about people.?
3. What does this passage tell you about yourself and God’s will for you?
