This post by christinecoltman was originally published at GRACE PLACE
A Redeeming Love – A Redeemed Identity
Hosea 1 & 3 | CBC Ladies Bible Study | Oct 2024
We are embarking on an epic journey where we get a front seat to see the passion of God! Thought Hosea we will see the jealousy of God, his heartbreak, his commitment, his enthusiasm and his love! Tim Chester said, “People often talk about what they feel about God. Hosea tells us what God feels about us.”
Don’t expect the book of Hosea to give you advice about parenting, investments or how to manage pesky neighbours. Do expect Hosea to expose our unfaithful hearts and show us how relentlessly God will pursue us, because of how passionately he loves us!
Read Hosea 1:1-2:1 and chapter 3
Write down any questions you have as you read these two chapters. (Note: if you don’t have any, maybe you ought to be teaching this section with me because there is a whole lot of eyebrow-raising moments in these two chapters that should alarm us!)
1.
2.
Chapter 1
1. Thinking about Hosea and Gomer’s three children, consider their names in more depth.
Each child’s name packs a punch that gives us sharp insight to the pain God feels about the people he loves! Look at the different ways the people were unfaithful, and then for the promises that God makes to reconcile the story. Feel free to go outside of Hosea for this.
| Name | Meaning | Pain – What generational sin (unfaithfulness) and punishment is being called out? |
Promise – Where is there hope and what is it? |
| Jezreel | |||
| Lo-ruhamah | |||
| Lo-ammi |
Chapter 3
2. Thinking about Hosea’s marriage:
– How are we like Gomer?
– How is Jesus like Hosea?
3. Do you see Jesus more as your ‘Boss’ or your ‘Husband’? (Pick one!)
What difference would it make to you if you saw yourself more like:
…a girl getting ready for her wedding day, to a groom who has chased you with unwavering passion, adoration, total joy and makes you feel completely satisfied, not fearing anything the future holds
And less like:
…a woman trying to prove herself through education, work, friendships, church, family, looks, possessions, money, character, skill and good behaviour.
Spend a little time reflecting on these two postures. What feelings do they conjure up?
Where can you spot how you are unfaithful to God?