What does God really want as he relates to us? In this episode, we are reflecting on the book of Hosea, where we’ll discover what God desires in a relationship.
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What does God really want as he relates to us? In this episode, we are reflecting on the book of Hosea, where we’ll discover what God desires in a relationship.
Here’s a quick overview. God promised to love Israel like a husband vows to love his bride. But Israel didn’t love him back––they cheated on him. This broke God’s heart but not his promise. God’s commitment to love his people is stronger than anything else. So while Israel still experienced the consequences of their unfaithfulness, God called them to remember his love and promised to heal the relationship. Jesus came to fulfill that promise for Israel and for us. And it’s because of Jesus that our hearts can be healed to faithfully love God back.
Bible Reading
Hosea 14:1-9
Reflection Questions
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God wants to relate to us like a loving spouse not as a demanding boss. What are some of the key differences between these two relationships?
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What comes to your mind as you think about God’s unrelenting love for you?
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What might change in your relationship with God if you loved him the same way you’d want a spouse to love you? Think about it.
Want to Go Deeper?
Check out this episode's Bible study guide to watch a video and explore more detailed questions for personal study and group discussion. Go to bibleproject.com/study.
Show Credits
- Host: Cheree Hayes
- Message: Dr. Carissa Quinn
- Production and Bible Reading: Dan Gummel
- Theme music: Grant William Harold
- Background Music: Be Still the Earth, Cleanse
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Reflect
Once you've listened to the podcast, take time to reflect on these questions.
- God wants to relate to us like a loving spouse, not as a demanding boss. What are some of the key differences between these two relationships?
- What comes to your mind as you think about God’s unrelenting love for you?
- What might change in your relationship with God if you loved him the same way you’d want a spouse to love you? Think about it.
Go Deeper
If you would like to dive deeper, use these Scriptures and questions for personal study or small group discussion.
Message Question
How did Carissa’s message challenge or encourage you today?
Read: Hosea 14:1-9
God promises to love Israel like a husband vows to love his bride. But Israel didn’t love him back-–they cheated on him. This broke God’s heart but not his promise. God’s commitment to love his people is stronger than anything else. So while Israel still experienced the consequences of their unfaithfulness, God called them to remember his love and promised to heal the relationship. Jesus came to fulfill that promise for Israel and for us. And it’s because of Jesus that our hearts can be healed to faithfully love God in return.
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Review verse 1 and 3. As you reflect on your past, what is one specific way you placed your trust outside of God’s counsel to protect yourself? What do you think that choice cost you and others?
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Review verse 2. How has seeking God’s forgiveness helped you and others heal from the cost of mistrust? What does relying on God’s grace and forgiveness practically look like for you?
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Jesus came to fulfill God’s healing promise. Review verses 4 through 8. Carefully reflect on the metaphors listed in this passage. What does dew produce in plant life? How is that similar to what the healing love of Jesus produces in the lives of his people? (Bonus: Read Hosea 10:12-13, Galatians 5:22, and John 15:4-9)
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Turn your reflections into a prayer. Express your gratitude for God’s desire to be in an intimate and committed relationship with you. Admit any ways that you or your community might be committed to something besides God. Ask for his forgiveness and seek his help to trust and faithfully respond to his healing love.