This is part of the 66 in 52 Bible Journaling Challenge. Over the course of the 52 weeks in 2018, I am focusing in on one verse from each book of the Bible with many others who have signed up to join me. Each week I will post a summary page with some thoughts about that week’s book(s) of the Bible along with some links that may help our reflection. Click here to sign up if you want to join us at any point along the journey! Click here to see where we’ve been so far!
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The Big Picture of Hosea:
Hosea was a prophet for the northern kingdom. His prophecies spanned 6 different kings over 45 years. The general summary of the book is that God asked Hosea to marry a prostitute. As Hosea continued to seek out Gomer and take her back despite the ways she ran away, God was showing His people that they are like a prostitute running after other gods, yet he pursues them still! We see that general storyline in the first few chapters. The last two thirds of the book goes through a cycle of unfaithfulness, some kind of correction, and then restoration. Ultimately the message is that God is faithful even when we are not!
Names in Hosea:
The names in Hosea have important meaning as God compares Hosea’s family to the people of God. Here are some of the names and meanings:
- Hosea – Salvation
- Gomer (Hosea’s wife) – Completion; complete wickedness
- Jezreel (The First Born) – God scatters or sows
- Lo-Ruhamah (The Middle Child) – not loved; no mercy
- Lo-Ammi (The Baby) – Not my people
A Few Key Verses and Possible Reflection Questions/Prayers:
Some of us are planning to read through the whole book each week, while others are just focusing in on one verse. This section of the weekly intro post might help you narrow down a verse to reflect on for the week, but you do not have to choose one of these verse, pick any section of the book you want! These are just some ideas.
- “The Lord has brought charges against you, saying: “There is no faithfulness, no kindness, no knowledge of God in your land.” (Hosea 4:1)
REFLECTION: Where do you see this true in our culture today? What do you think our response is to be?
- “For I desire mercy, not sacrifice, and acknowledgment of God rather than burnt offerings.” (Hosea 6:6)
REFLECTION: What does it look like to offer mercy over sacrifice and knowing God over offerings?
- “I will heal their waywardness and love them freely, for my anger has turned away from them.” (Hosea 14:4)
REFLECTION: What does it look like for us to love freely despite anger being our first reaction to a situation or person?
Some Other Resources:
- The Bible Project summary video of Hosea
- A Pinterest board with resources and pictures for Hosea
- The 66 in 52 Schedule and Tracking Sheet
The Challenge:
So now it’s your turn! Pick a verse and settle in this week, or read through the whole book. If you post any picture or blogs on social media, tag them with #66in52challenge so we can all share in this journey together!
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