“She went after her lovers, and forgat me, saith the LORD. Therefore, behold, I will allure her, and bring her into the wilderness, and speak comfortably unto her. And I will give her her vineyards from thence, and the valley of Achor for a door of hope.” 
(Hosea 2:13-15)

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This is a marvelous love story of Hosea (Saviour) and his rebellious wife, Gomer (failure). God told Hosea to go marry this woman, a harlot (Hosea 1:3) and provide for her (Hosea 2:8). Hosea, God’s faithful prophet did as he was instructed. Gomer began to walk after the sinful ways of her heritage, leaving Hosea for others (Hosea 2:5). Soon her wicked ways overcame her, she was reduced to poverty and shame and was sold as a common slave on the auction block (Hosea 3:1-3). When Gomer began to seek after her lovers and forget the goodness of Hosea, God instructed His prophet to love her, allure her, bring her, and speak comfortably to her (Hosea 2:13-15). One naturally would have thought to divorce her, condemn and find another wife. Hosea, faithful to his covenant with her, found her, bought her and received her back into his home. All of this is a glorious picture of God’s saving, redeeming and sovereign grace to guilty sinners. Notice these few thoughts!

1) The Marvel of Grace 

“Therefore, behold, I will allure her.” God’s thoughts and ways of mercy are infinitely above ours (Romans 5:6-9; Ephesians 2:1-4; 1st John 2:1). We justly should have been immediately and eternally condemned when we sinned against God (Romans 3:23; Romans 6:23). But infinite and sovereign mercy intervened through Christ (Romans 3:24; 9:12-16). The only reason for grace is found in the goodness of God (Exodus 33:19; John 1:17-18).

2) The Power of Grace 

“I will allure her.” God has purposed through the preaching of the true gospel to call out His sheep (1st Corinthians 1:21). Through the gospel message God the Holy Spirit does “allure” or draw us lovingly, powerfully and irresistibly to Himself (Psalm 65:4; Psalm 110:3; John 6:44-45; Romans 1:16-17; 1st Thessalonians 1:4-5).

3) The Work of Grace 

“bring her into the wilderness.” Think of it, alone with God. Separated, chosen and made to differ by electing love (1st Corinthians 4:7; 2nd Thessalonians 2:13); called out of the bondage and darkness of sin into His marvelous light (2nd Corinthians 4:6; Colossians 1:12-13). Made a new creature in Christ Jesus by Almighty grace, (2nd Corinthians 5:17) and Christ our Righteousness exalted and enthroned in our heart (1st Corinthians 1:30; Philippians 2:5-11).

4) The Comfort of Grace

“speak comfortably unto her.” What greater comfort can there be than to hear of our blessed LORD, Who accomplished all righteousness and redemption for us as our Surety (Hebrews 7:22), Mediator (1st Timothy 2:5), Advocate (1st John 2:1) and Saviour (Hebrews 9:12). There is eternal comfort and rest in Christ Jesus our LORD and God (Isaiah 40:1-2; Matthew 11:28)!

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T. Harding