Promise vs. Promiscuity

Promise vs. Promiscuity: God's Relentless Love Unveiled

Pastor Jonathan Johnston

July 31 2023

Few stories in scripture are as powerful as the story of Hosea. The book of Hosea speaks of a promiscuous people, a nation that wandered away from God, indulging in the worship of false gods alongside their devotion to Him. Their actions mirrored the behavior of a rebellious spouse, forsaking their faithful partner for fleeting pleasures.

In my childhood memory, I recall eagerly waiting to watch "The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh" with my family. My father had promised we would go together, and I anxiously awaited his return from work. Yet, when he arrived, exhausted from a rough day, I implored him to keep his promise. Miraculously, my father's love overruled his weariness, and he fulfilled his commitment to take me to the movies. In that moment, It wasn’t my attitude or my behavior that motivated my father to take my family to the movies, but it was his faithfulness to keep his promises.

Just as I reminisce about my childhood promise, the story of Hosea unfolds with offsprings bearing names with deep significance. The first child, Jezreel, symbolized God's judgment upon the House of Jehu. Jehu had exterminated the house of Ahab but failed to eradicate the worship of golden calves, leading to further sin and judgment for Israel. The consequences of their actions caught up with them.

The second child, Lo-Ruhamah, represented God's withdrawal of compassion from the House of Israel. Their unfaithfulness brought about a loss of God's mercy. However, in His graciousness, God allowed time for repentance before bringing judgment.

The third child, Lo-Ammi, signified that the Israelites were no longer considered God's people due to their prideful and rebellious behavior. Their worship became a mixture of gods, a promiscuous blending of devotion. As a result, God disowned them.

Despite the promiscuity of His people, God's love remained steadfast and relentless. He was the God of promise, the one who fulfilled His covenant with Abraham. Hosea 1:10 declares that the number of the Israelites would be as numerous as the sands of the sea, despite their impending judgment. God's love was never-ending, His promises unshakable.

In Hosea 2:14-23, God's relentless pursuit of His people is revealed. He promised a time of restoration, a moment when Israel would return to Him and be called "sons of the Living God." God's boundless mercy and love would draw them back to Him.

As we consider the powerful message of Hosea's life and God's boundless love, we are reminded of the depth of His faithfulness. Just as my father's love overcame his weariness to keep his promise to me, God's love surpasses all obstacles to fulfill His covenant with us.

Let us take this message to heart and reflect on our own lives. Are we allowing promiscuity to infiltrate our relationship with God? Are we seeking temporary pleasures over the eternal love of our Savior? Let us repent and turn back to God, for His mercy and grace are greater than our rebellion.

God's relentless love pursues us, offering hope and restoration. Like the Israelites, let us experience the beauty of being called "sons of the Living God" once again. May we bask in the boundless love of our God of promise, knowing that His Word is everlasting, and His love will endure through all eternity.