Then the LORD said to me, "Go again, love a woman who is loved by a lover and is committing adultery, just like the love of the LORD for the children of Israel, who look to other gods and love the raisin cakes of the pagans." Hosea 3:1

Hosea was a prophet to the northern kingdom of Israel when they were sinfully and rebelliously worshiping pagan gods. Hosea was called to the unenviable task of marrying a harlot who would be unfaithful to him, as a picture of Israel’s spiritual harlotries against God. Sure enough Hosea’s wife ran after other lovers as Israel ran after false Gods.

Throughout her harlotries, she believed that her lovers were providing for her. Unbeknownst to her, it was Hosea who from afar continued to support her even in her unfaithfulness. When her lovers ad their way with her, they kicked her to the curb and she ended up on the slave block. Due to her wild living, she was reduced to a level of worthlessness that no one bid for her. No one but Hosea who bought her back to again be his wife.

Imagine how she must have felt upon experiencing Hosea’s love.

This is not only the story of the nation of Israel, it is the story of everyone who has ever been or ever will be saved. God made us for Himself. We sinfully rebelled against Him chasing the false god’s around us. Then, when we were worthless, the Lord purchased us for Himself—not with money and grain, but with His blood. “For God so loved...that He gave His only begotten Son.”

Whenever you think of the love of God, and especially when you think of how the redeemed are called the Bride of Christ, remember Hosea and his adulterous wife. And be overwhelmed with loving gratitude.