June 18

Hosea 4-9

Love of a Jealous Kind

There is a song by Jars of Clay called Jealous Kind. I couldn't help but think of that song when reading these chapters. Here is a youtube link to a video of the song with lyrics. ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WQAIVC1yRC4 ) At the end, there are verses that describe God's jealous love for us. I hope that the lyrics and scriptures speak to you like they did to me. Like the book of Hosea, this song drives home the point that idolatry and unfaithfulness to God are the same as adultery.

In the first part of chapter 4, you see a dangerous progression. "There is no faithfulness, no love, no acknowledgment of God in the land. There is only cursing, lying and murder, stealing and adultery; they break all bounds, and bloodshed follows bloodshed." No God leads to sin, sin leads to death. In chapter 8, the people offer God sacrifices, but He is not pleased. The sacrifices mean nothing, because they come from unfaithful, disobedient people.

Thankfully, there is hope in Hosea 6:1-3. "Come, let us return to the Lord. He has torn us to pieces but he will heal us; he has injured us but he will bind up our wounds. After two days he will revive us; on the third day he will restore us, that we may live in his presences. Let us acknowledge him. As surely as the sun rises, he will appear; he will come to us like the winter rains, like the spring rains that water the earth." We are all sinful, unfaithful, disobedient, adulterous people. We don't deserve anything from God. But no matter what sin we commit, God's love for us is greater. He will always forgive and restore those who return to Him!