Go marry a prostitute
Hosea 1:2-3.
These verses absolutely amaze me! To think that God starts talking to this dude Hosea, and one of the first things out of his mouth is a direct command to go marry a prostitute - someone who FOR A LIVING is unfaithful! First off, I'd be very skeptical about this "voice in my head" and yet he seems to readily receive it as the voice of God. In verse 2, God also states that he wants him to marry her BECAUSE she will have children from other men.
In other words, "Hosea - I want you to enter the next phase of your life (a highly personal and intimate one, mind you) knowing full well that it will result in pain and hurt to you personally, and everyone close to you."
It's easy to read a book like this and gloss over everything... "yeah it was for a sign to God's people... for the greater good, etc." and miss the emotion and feeling to God's man. This was a big ask. If God asked me to marry and remain faithful to a wife that I knew in advance would repeatedly and willfully sleep with other men, I'm not sure I'd say yes.
This man's belief, trust, and love for God amazes and inspires me. He knew that life is not about our comfort and ease, but of God's glory and fame. And he was willing to endure great pain to see that through!
Created about 1 year ago
