The Enactment of God’s Promise to Be a Faithful Husband

This meditation is based on a passage for September 29, 2010 in the Daily Lectionary Year 2 from the Book of Common Worship for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) (1993).

Text: Hosea 3:1-5

Reflection and Question: his section completes the extended image of marriage in Hosea we began reviewing Sunday and yesterday. Just as marriage is represented here as no longer just a matter of one person “taking” another, God’s bond with His people is not just a matter of God “taking” Israel. This prophetic preaching clarifies that marriage is about commitment and mutual love, just as “the Israelites shall return and seek the Lord their God.” This mutuality, desired by God in covenant with Israel, has taken hold in our vision of human marriage. When have you thought of marriage as being one person “taking” another — ever?

Prayer: Blessed Spirit of God, bring to life in our minds and hearts what it meant for Hosea to take a fallen woman as his wife. May it give us a measure of Your boundless love for us as You draw us in awe to Your goodness. Hold us fast. Amen.