"God Pursues Israel" Gospel Project Lesson for October 16, 2016

Hosea 1:2-9; 2:14-23; 3:1-5

Historical Context:

Hosea – means savior

He was a prophet in the Northern kingdom/Samaria (755B.C. – 715 B.C.)

See: 2 Kings 14:23 – 17:41 for details.

Began his ministry during a time of peace and prosperity (Israel’s golden age) during the reign of Jeroboam II; ended his ministry during the reign of Hoshea when the Assyrians completed their conquest of Samaria and forced the deportation of Israel’s citizens.

He was a contemporary of Isaiah who prophesied in the Southern kingdom/Judah.

Israel/Samaria was guilty of spiritual adultery; unfaithfulness to Jehovah with Baal and other false gods.

Theological Theme:

Hosea’s persistent pursuit of Gomer is symbolic of God’s pursuit of a relationship with fallen man; a commitment based in His love (Romans 5:8).

Christ Connection:

Hosea’s purchase of Gomer symbolizes God’s purchase of sinful man with the price of redemption; the death of His only begotten Son (John 3:16).

Missional Application:

As believers we should pursue the lost in the same way God pursued us.

Thoughts and Questions from Hosea:

The difference between how we view “love” today and the love of God (God’s love is a commitment and is unconditional)

Describe “love” in our present culture. (Emotions or commitment)

Compare Hosea’s love (commitment) to Gomer to Ephesians 5:21-25).

What does this story say about God’s love?

God sought us, even though we were sinners … He redeemed us by the life and death of His Son, Jesus Christ … He continues to be faithful to us, even when we fail Him … our relationship with Him is based, not in our faithfulness to Him, but His faithfulness to us … the covenant of salvation.

Like Hosea, God knew what He was getting into when He chose to be in a relationship with us.

Hosea would have had every right to leave his wife to what she deserved, but he did not. The Lord commanded him to “go” to her because there was no way she could come to him, even if she wanted to (Leader Guide). When we could not go to God, God came to us in the form of His Son (Jesus came to seek and to save those who are lost).

Does the story of Hosea’s love for Gomer offer assurance in your relationship with God?

God’s love for us should motivate us in our love for those who may not love us …

“God charged his prophet to enact a drastic prophetic act through his own family. He married a prostitute, representing Israel’s unfaithfulness, and named three children unthinkable names to symbolize the place of judgment, the reason for judgment, and the result of judgment. But God pointed to a future where faithfulness and a love relationship would be restored in Hosea’s family and in God’s relationship to Israel.” - Holman Old Testament Commentary