Alluring Love

Click here: Hosea 2:14-20

REFLECTION

by Mary Alice McGinnis

I am drawn to the story of Hosea. Probably because I relate to the fact that he married an unfaithful person. I too have felt the pain of loving someone whose response to my love was repeated infidelity.

One night many years ago, when I discovered yet another betrayal, my world came crashing down. I knew my marriage of twenty-five years had to come to an end.

 I called a dear friend. Though it was late at night, she soon showed up at my door. The words she said to me that night, I will never forget.

“Always remember, God is your TRUE husband.”

God used the story of the prophet Hosea, and his adulterous relationship with his wife, Gomer, as a real-life illustration. God’s people, whom He loved and adored, had broken His heart. Despite the lavish love He had poured out on them, they had turned to other gods. God pronounces judgement on this adulterous people who have chased after other “lovers.”

In His holy, righteous anger, He could have wiped them off the face of the earth. He could have beaten them into submission. He might have motivated them through the fear of His judgement.

What does God do instead? He tenderly allures them to try to win them back. Just think about that. The All Powerful, Eternal God, who created all things says:

“I will allure her; I will lead her into the wilderness and speak tenderly to her.”

God does not want our cowering submission. He wants our LOVE.

In the original language of the Old Testament, the name “Baal” comes from the word “master.” They had been worshipping another god by the name of Baal, who wanted only a “master-slave” type of relationship.

Hosea states, “In that day,” declares the Lord, “you will call me ‘my husband’; you will no longer call me ‘my master.’”  

Where do you find yourself chasing after fulfilment, searching for significance, or seeking satisfaction and love in all the wrong places? What is stealing your heart’s affections? How are these empty pursuits enslaving you?

What may seem like a harsh wilderness or a valley of trouble (Achor), God is using to woo you back.

The only true love we will ever know is the one shown to us by the One who embodies perfect love.

God is love. (1 John 4:16) It isn’t just His character; it is His identity. He cannot be anything other than perfect love.

Whatever circumstances you find yourself in right now, God is speaking tenderly to you to allure you back into His loving arms.

Prayer – Thank you for You have shown us perfect love. Help me remember that You want my love, not just my obedience. You we willing to go all the way to the cross to show how much You love me. Help me to never abuse Your grace. Instead use it to transform my wayward heart into one fully devoted to You.  May I be Your radiant Bride who reflects Your love to those around me today.