Hosea: God's Faithfulness in Christ - An Unexpected Journey

In his classic work, The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, Tolkien tells the story of Bilbo Baggins, a simple, homebound hobbit who is chosen by Gandalf the Grey to go on a quest to help the dwarves of Erebor reclaim their home from the dragon Smaug. Bilbo is a timid, comfort driven, isolated young man who, through his journey outside the Shire, grows and develops into a sword wielding, spider killing, eagle riding, world traveler. It was one of my favorite stories as a child. What accounts for his transformation? The hardships of the journey! 

In our text this week, Hosea redeems Gomer from her wayward life and puts conditions upon her. That might seem odd, but the image isn’t of God’s saving work but His work of our sanctification. Hosea and Gomer were already married. Now, he’s setting a path for their marital restoration. God does the same thing for Israel, rescuing them from their idolatry, but setting out a plan for their full restoration. Full restoration means a heart transformation where God’s people pursue Him like He pursues them. It will not be a quick and easy fix, because God isn’t interested in quick fixes, but holiness that grows from the inside out.

The message to us focuses on our sanctification—the path God lays out and Christ walks us through—to transform us by His grace. Join us Sunday as we worship our redeeming, sanctifying Savior.