God sends Hosea to Israel during the reign of King Jeroboam II to communicate GOD’S DESPAIR over their continual idol worship and dependence on outside nations and NOT GOD. Though the people failed to be faithful to their covenant with God, HIS COMMITMENT TO THEM REMAINS, because no matter how we treat God HE IS FAITHFUL to His promise. So God says to them, “I will go back to my home in heaven. I will stay there until you ADMIT YOU HAVE SINNED. Then you will TURN TO ME. You will suffer so much that you will FINALLY WANT ME TO HELP YOU.” (Hosea 5:15)
I can personally relate to this, as a 29 year old, in rebellion to God, addicted to alcohol, drugs and pleasure. I just felt so unfulfilled! One night at my office I walked back to the restroom, closed the door and someone put their arms around me and very gently squeezed me and said “Bill I love you!” I felt penetrated with these simple but very profound words, they were spoken with such gentleness but caused such conviction that drove me to my knees right beside the perfect altar, the toilet! I didn’t really know what to do, I felt such sorrow for the way I treated God so, with tears streaming down my face I said “I am sorry!” A heavy burden was lifted from me, I experienced peace as never before, I knew that the Lord had forgiven me and my new journey through life began, 50 years ago this coming May 17th.
Without really understanding it I was presenting my body as a, “…living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed (be like them) to this world, but be transformed (miraculously changed) by the renewing of your mind, that YOU MAY PROVE what is that good and acceptable and PERFECT will of God.” (Rom. 12:1-2)
-Bill Stockham