“I will heal their backsliding. I will love them freely, for My anger has turned away from him.” (Hosea 14:4, NKJV)

God had called the prophet Hosea to marry Gomer, knowing full well that she would be unfaithful. Hosea’s life became an “action sermon” to the northern kingdom of Israel who had “played the harlot” with other gods. She ignored God’s commandments and set up two golden calves and altars in Bethel and Dan. God had been patient with her, but He would also hand her over to the Assyrians who would destroy their kingdom and take them captive.

Hosea lived all this out in his own relationship with his wife. He felt the rejection, jealousy, feelings of betrayal, and deep hurt that God felt. He finally let Gomer go into the arms of another lover. This was a poignant testimony to Israel of their own spiritual adultery.

But God had also told Hosea that he was to take Gomer back.

“Go and love your wife again, even though she commits adultery with another lover. This will illustrate that the LORD still loves Israel, even though the people have turned to other gods and love to worship them.” (Hosea 3:1, NLT)

This little book (the first of the twelve minor prophets) teaches us how longsuffering God is with His people. Even when they have rebelled against Him and thrown His laws behind their backs, He is unwilling to let them go and utterly divorce them. His gifts and calling are irrevocable. And even after they have spent themselves on their own lusts, He is willing to take His people back. After Israel suffered a while, God would turn His anger away from them. He would heal their backsliding and love them freely again.

Was there a time when you were closer to Jesus and more in love with Him than you are today? Then you are in a backslidden state. But the Lord wants to take you back. If you call upon your true Husband and Savior, then He will heal your backsliding and restore you to your first love. He will speak comforting words to you and draw you to Himself (Hosea 2:14-16).

“Whoever is wise, let him understand these things; whoever is discerning, let him know them; for the ways of the LORD are right, and the upright walk in them, but transgressors stumble in them.” (Hosea 14:9, ESV)