ROMANS 9:25

“as He also says in Hosea: ‘I WILL CALL THOSE WHO WERE NOT MY PEOPLE, “MY PEOPLE,” AND HER WHO WAS NOT BELOVED, “BELOVED.”’”

In the book of Hosea, we have a beautiful picture of God’s redeeming love for a nation. He used the prophet Hosea to show how Israel had treated Him and how He in turn would restore her. In fact, there was a movie made a few years ago called, “Redeeming Love.” If you haven’t seen it, I encourage you to take the time. It’s a modern day portrayal of this story that paints a clear picture of God’s love for Israel.

Paul quotes from Hosea in today’s verse. In fact, Hosea 2:23 reads in full, “‘I will sow her for Myself in the land. I will also have compassion on her who had not obtained compassion, and I will say to those who were not My people, “You are My people!” And they will say, “You are my God!”’” Earlier in Hosea 1, Gomer (Hosea’s wife) had given birth to three children, which were named Jezreel, Lo-ruhamah (no mercy) and Lo-ammi (not my people). God changes the names of the last two to Ruhammah (mercy) and Ammi (My people) and sends Hosea to redeem Gomer back to himself.

APPLICATION

What’s the point of Paul’s words today and the reference to Hosea? God takes the outcasts and makes covenant with them. In our case, He cut covenant with us through His Son, Jesus Christ. We were no better than the adulterous prostitute Gomer before Christ. We did not deserve His sacrifice. We did not merit redemption. But He chose us before the foundation of the earth to be His.

Have you stopped lately to consider what God gave up for us? John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son…” Romans 5:8 tells us, “God demonstrated His love for us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Do I need to go on? Do you need more reminding of the depths of His love for you? He loves you with an everlasting love. And He has redeemed you from an everlasting damnation.

What did Hosea expect from Gomer in return for her redemption? Her love and faithfulness. Isn’t that all God expects from us? John says, “We love, because He first loved us.” (1 John 4:19). Paul said earlier in Romans 1:17, “The righteous shall live by faith.” Can you love Him? Can you be faithful to Him? That’s all He requires, but it will cost you everything. All you have belongs to Him. And in return, He makes you joint-heirs of His kingdom alongside His Son. Praise be to God!

Thank You, Lord, for redeeming me from the depths of despair and setting me on a firm foundation.

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