Hosea’s marriage and children were a sign. 

A symbol of God’s relationship with His people at that time. 

When the Lord began to speak through Hosea, the Lord said to him, “Go, marry a promiscuous woman and have children with her, for like an adulterous wife this land is guilty of unfaithfulness to the Lord.” Hosea 1:2

Gomer would be unfaithful to Hosea, just as Israel was unfaithful to God. Gomer would prostitute herself to other men, just as Israel prostituted herself to other gods. 

The Lord told him to name his first son Jezreel meaning God would soon punish Israel. Hosea 1:4

The Lord told him to name his daughter Lo-Ruhamah meaning God would reject Israel for her idolatry. Hosea 1:6

The Lord told him to name his third child, another son, Lo-Ammi meaning not my people. Hosea 1:9

One day, God would return to his people and he gave that sign through Hosea’s reconciliation to Gomer. “The Lord said to me, “Go, show your love to your wife again, though she is loved by another man and is an adulteress. Love her as the Lord loves the Israelites, though they turn to other gods…” Hosea 3:1

All this to say, marriage and children are a sign. 

I want my marriage to be a sign. I want it to be a sign of sacrificial love, unconditional commitment and purifying influence. 

I want my children to be called wise and the Lord is my God. 

I want to model my marriage after Christ’s love for his people and the church, not perfectly, but faithfully. Only by His grace empowering every step, action and day.

If you’re married, what does your sign say? What is your marriage showing to the world? Let it be a sign that points to the Lord!

See you next week!