Hosea 1

2 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.
KJV

It is mind boggling enough that God would call a prophet to marry an unclean, immoral single woman who gave herself on the streets of the city. Perhaps this is the strangest painting in scripture, yet the most indescribable portrait of God's love ever seen. A faithful groom committed to an unfaithful bride. There is not a man I know that would tolerate his wife turning into an unclean mistress of the night and violating the marriage covenant, not once, but on numerous occasions. Yet, the Groom, Jesus Christ, does just that for each of us. Every lie, evil thought, wicked scheme, dishonest gain. The times He has sought our exclusive affection and we were running after spiritual mirages that left us wanting. There He is Faithful, Waiting, Forgiving, Patient, and Loving. What a picture of His affection and love for His bride, the church. This is the snapshot of the book of Hosea. Israel was backslidden and turned a cold shoulder to the Lord of glory and all He wanted was to be loved back. Let's render unto God that which belongs to Him.

May our love for Him be as loyal, devout, committed, and faithful as His love is for us.

R.E.A.L. men practice Semper Fi! It means forever faithful. Not just when it is easy, but when it seems hard…be faithful!  Not just when you are strongest, but when you are the weakest…be faithful! Not just when everyone is around, but when you are all alone…be faithful. Not just when you are around Christians, but when you are the only Christian…be faithful.

Semper Fi,
Pastor McLaughlin