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Daily Inspirational Devotionals
God the Redeemer Love her, even though she loves adultery. (Hosea 3:1) The language of Hosea is as strong as the message behind it. Once again we see God’s propensity for symbolism as we look to the story of Hosea. We’ve learned that the name Hosea means “salvation,” or “the Lord saves.” But the story takes on even greater significance when we look at some of the other players. Hosea and Gomer had three children, and God gave them names that reflected their symbolic roles in the story. Jezreel means “God scatters,” Lo-ruhamah means “Not loved,” and Lo-ammi, means “Not my people.” All of these names describe Israel’s offspring and their propensity for rebellion and waywardness. Through the names of Gomer’s children, God was giving us a glimpse into Israel’s cold and rebellious heart toward him. When Gomer left Hosea to live with another lover, God commanded Hosea to buy her back. He redeemed her for “fifteen shekels of silver and about five bushels of barley and a measure of wine” (Hosea 3:2). This amount is what it might cost to purchase a common mule, far less than a good woman would be worth. I can imagine that Gomer was so despised and defiled that even her peers looked on her with shame. She was a woman without reputation, shunned by women and used by men. Hosea was a man who epitomized love and faithfulness, yet he was given a harlot for a wife. In spite of her shameful ways, he took her in and loved her. She regarded him with contempt; he rewarded her with deliverance. She looked on him with hate; he looked on her with love and compassion. She ran from his goodness; he paid to get her back. It’s our story put into perspective from the eyes of God. God redeemed us in spite of our contempt and rebellion, but the price he paid was far greater. In fact, it was unthinkable. He paid with the blood of his own Son. Is it possible to comprehend the unconditional love of God? Probably not.
Today’s Reading Hosea 3:1-3 Reflection When you consider the price God paid to redeem us, how does it change the way you see the story of Gomer? Does it change the way you see your unfaithfulness?
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The best-selling Left Behind series has captured the attention of millions of readers, and it has changed lives. It has brought millions of believers the motivation to examine their hearts. Are you ready to embrace eternity? Live each moment as if it could be your last? Your future is more important than your past. Where you are going matters more than where you have been. What you do from this day forward means much more than what you have already done. You may be affected by your past, but you are not defined by it. Not in the eyes of God. What does it mean to embrace eternity? It means grasping each breath as if it could be your last, living life moment by precious moment with your feet planted firmly on earth but your heart aimed squarely at heaven. It means learning to embrace the role of dual citizenship—living in one world while belonging to another. It is a lifestyle of living like there’s no tomorrow and then dying so that your real life can finally begin! This 365-day devotional explores the themes introduced in the Left Behind series—themes of salvation, grace, obedience, and faith. New believers as well as mature believers will find a message of faith that will inspire and motivate daily.
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