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 3
Hosea’s reconciliation with his estranged wife.
Overview
Chapter 3 is the high light of the book of Hosea with central message— God’s redemption for Israel.
Hosea follows the Lord’s instruction to buy back his adulterous wife, discipline her, and affirms his devotion to her, likewise the Lord, out of his love, will restore Israel even though the people of Israel turned away from God to other gods. Divine
Buying her with price was costly, and it symbolizes God’s redemption. Hosea redeemed his wife by love and for a price. True redemption is costly. Jesus had to die on the cross to finish God’s redemption out of his love. (John 3:16).
Discipline is necessary for both Israel’s temporary chastisement and her ultimate redemption. (v.3). During the period of discipline, Israel will be deprived of her civil and ceremonial institutions (v.4). Then restoration by God’s intervention will be completed at the end of time, in the last days, which is future reality. (v.5)
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?
