Delivering a message from God was one thing, but God commanded Hosea to do the unthinkable – marry a known prostitute and have a family through her. Rather than delivering God’s message, Hosea’s family life would be an illustration of God’s relationship with Israel.

Hosea married Gomer and after several years the two would become a family of five. Yet even with a growing family, Gomer’s heart is filled with thoughts of her lovers. She leaves Hosea to pursue her own enjoyment and puts herself into such a bad position. Hosea must redeem her to get her back. At God’s command, Hosea draws Gomer back to himself, claims her children as his own, and she forgets her lovers. After a period of discipline, Gomer is fully restored as Hosea’s wife.

As the people of God watch the drama of Hosea and Gomer’s life unfold before their eyes, they view his heartbreak over her unfaithfulness and his compassionate love as Hosea draws Gomer back in a loving reunion. Though undeserving of his love, Gomer returns seeking grace and hope, finding a depth of love and forgiveness freely given. Hosea restores her to himself.

Yet this drama is not just Hosea and Gomer’s drama, it is Israel’s drama. Israel continually forgot God in their pursuit of worshipping false gods. They left their first love so completely, rejecting Him. Heartbroken over their unfaithfulness, God’s love brought heartbreak to the people. Taking them through a period of punishment, He draws Israel back to faithfulness and love for Him. Though unworthy, the people return to God seeking grace & hope.

“Come, let us return to the Lord. He has torn us to pieces but he will heal us; he has injured us but he will bind up our wounds. After two days he will revive us; on the third day he will restore us, that we may live in his presence. Let us acknowledge the Lord; let us press on to acknowledge him. As surely as the sun rises, he will appear; he will come to us like the winter rains, like the spring rains that water the earth…For I desire mercy, not sacrifice, and acknowledgment of God rather than burnt offerings.” (Hosea 6:1-3, 6 NIV)

Finding a depth of love and forgiveness freely given by God, the people find they have been completely restored to Him.

The drama illustrated in Hosea’s life and in the relationship between the children of Israel and God, is also our drama. How often do we place people, careers, money, possessions, or other things in place of God? We choose our own way instead of seeking God.

What is it that keeps you from giving your heart completely to the Lord? What keeps you from having a close walk with Him? God longs for you to search your heart. He is drawing you back in faithfulness and love. He offers forgiveness, grace, hope. He will restore you to Himself and walk closely with you to eternity. What is keeping you?

Sow righteousness for yourselves, reap the fruit of unfailing love, and break up your unplowed ground; for it is time to seek the Lord, until he comes and showers his righteousness on you.” (Hosea 10:12 NIV)