APPREHENSION OF SIN OF JUDGMENT OF LOVE
"Go again, love a
woman beloved of her friend, and an adulteress, even as Jehovah loves the
children of Israel" Hosea 3:1
The prophet's experiences
had interpreted the sin of Israel,
had vindicated the justice of her
punishment. In communion he had learned
the Divine purpose in that punishment; but he had taken no action with
regard to GOMER. Now the word of Jehovah came to him as a command in these
words. IF HOSEA LEARNED THE NATURE OF
ISRAEL'S SIN FROM GOMER'S, AND SO, THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF THE DIVINE REJECTION OF ISRAEL, HE WAS NOW TAUGHT THE NATURE OF LOVE IN THIS COMMAND OF JEHOVAH.
The CLOSENESS OF HIS FELLOWSHIP WITH GOD is seen in his immediate obedience in
regard to GOMER (Don't divorce her). How low she had sunk is revealed in the price he paid for her;
and, indeed, in that he had to BUY HER. The price in money and kind amounted to
about thirty shekels (Judas), the price
of a slave, which in all probability she had, literally become. Observe
that the command of Jehovah was not to
REDEEM her, but to LOVE HER; but her redemption was the necessary issue.
Thus Hosea, through tragic experiences in his own life, was BROUGHT INTO
CLOSEST FELLOWSHIP WITH GOD, and prepared for his ministry to Israel. All
through his messages the great notes are sounding, which tell of his understanding,
of the appalling nature of sin; of the righteousness of the Divine judgment;
and ultimately, of THE UNCONQUERABLE MIGHT OF THE DIVINE LOVE. It is indeed
the love of God which "alters not when it alternation finds";
His is the love that "never fails." All SUFFERING (divorce attempts to discard that experience but fails) on the part
of His messengers is worthwhile, which brings them to such APPREHENSION OF SIN,
OF JUDGMENT, and OF LOVE. And God gives one the chance to fellowship and learn through pain).
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