Taken from my handwritten journal entry of 2/22/2025. This is eighth in a series of meditations around the bride of Christ.
I am grateful that You are merciful!
The word of the Lord that came unto Hosea, the son of Beeri, in the days of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah, and in the days of Jeroboam the son of Joash, king of Israel. The beginning of the word of the Lord by Hosea. And the Lord said to Hosea, Go, take unto thee a wife of whoredoms and children of whoredoms: for the land hath committed great whoredom, departing from the Lord. So he went and took Gomer the daughter of Diblaim; which conceived, and bare him a son.
Hosea 1:1-3 KJV
Me: Good morning, Holy Spirit!
Holy Spirit: Good morning, Jon!
Me: I have found it surprising the instructions given to Hosea, to make his own life a demonstration of the nature of Israel’s behavior toward You and your displeasure at their hardness of heart and unfaithfulness.
Holy Spirit: Hosea tells both sides. In Hosea 2, speaking of Israel:
And I will betroth thee unto me for ever; yea, I will betroth thee unto me in righteousness, and in judgment, and in lovingkindness, and in mercies. I will even betroth thee unto me in faithfulness: and thou shalt know the Lord.
Hosea 2:19-20
In the end, many in Israel will join with those not of Israel, but who have come to the Lord, and whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life. (Philippians 4:3, Revelation 3:5, 13:8, 17:8, 20:15, 21:9 and Revelation 21:27)
So, Hosea shows from what manner of unfaithfulness the bride has been sanctified and her redemption.
Me: Thank You, Holy Spirit! I love You!
Holy Spirit: You are welcome! I love you!
Missionary Sojourn 