The cycle of readings has moved from Job to Hosea. This is another book of the Bible which is all too often skimmed over, without much thought.
Hosea’s life becomes a metaphor for the relationship between God and Israel. He takes a wife (Gomer), who forsakes him for others. In today’s section (Chapter 2:2-15) Hosea begs the children, born to his wife, to remind her that all she possess came from Hosea, not those with whom she has played the harlot.
It is easy to fall into the same trap a Gomer. It is easy to see that which is in our field of vision, rather than the thing which lies behind or supports from underneath.
I realized this morning my own tendency to credit teachers with great insights, neglecting that the Truths which they passed on originated in God.
Looking beyond that which is immediately before us is tough. It is difficult in a world of instant gratification and attention seeking behaviors. Few have the discipline to examine our lives and reflect on the source of our fortune. Such reflection is called prayer – the kind of prayer where we do some of the talking, but leave time for God to speak back to us.
Gomer was so caught up in the events and excitement of her world that she neglected to understand the true source of her security. As a result, this was placed in peril. Hosea (who takes on the metaphorical role of God) remains faithful to her; seeks her out, and works to reclaim her. The events of their life are painful to read, but comforting to know that even when we don’t turn to God, God continues to come to us.
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