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Every Perfect Gift
August 5th, 2013
Hosea 2:2-13
As you read in the Book of Hosea about his marriage to Gomer, who would be unfaithful to him, it’s a metaphor of God’s relationship with Israel who has been unfaithful to Him. The tone of the passage changes with Hosea 2:2. Instead of hope we find a rebuke so severe that it is deeply troubling to the reader.
The metaphor speaks of God rebuking His unfaithful wife, but uses imagery of a violent and abusive husband. We must not quickly dismiss how troubling these verses are. One thing we do know is that Hosea, in addressing the people Israel, is using strong imagery so they understand the serious nature of their unfaithfulness to God.
Not only has God provided daily substance to Israel (“grain,” v. 8), he has lavished them with gifts (“silver and gold,” v. 8) and, above all, His love. Everything Israel has is from God, yet they have taken those gifts and worshiped other gods.
What do you do with the gifts God has given you? Do you give them back to God as an act of praise? May we always be faithful, and never forget that “every good and perfect gift is from above” (James 1:17).
Author: Corey MacPherson
Tags: Thankfulness, worship
August 5th, 2013 at 8:15 am
“What do you do with the gifts God has given you? Do you give them back to God as an act of praise?”
Jesus and life are the best gifts that God has given us. We give Jesus back to God as an act of praise when we follow His teachings; and we give our life back to God when walk in righteousness.
If we are not doing those things, we’re the adulterous wife,