God allowed the northern kingdom of Israel to suffer great affliction for their sin, but they persisted in what was destroying them. They were likened to a cake unturned, a silly dove, and a deceitful bow, yet God remained faithful to hound them for their healing and restoration.

Whilst Israel placed great emphasis on offering sacrifices to God, their sin and lack of mercy revealed they did not know Him. Obedience is better than sacrifice, yet the sacrifices of a broken heart God will not despise. God has shown us mercy continually, even by sending His Son Jesus Christ as a sacrifice for sin so we can be saved.

God's people thought their sacrifices made them acceptable before God, but because they were in sin without repentance He withdrew Himself from them. God knew in their affliction they would seek Him, and He would patiently wait for them to seek Him in repentance. Jesus stands at the door and knocks, and may we quickly rise and open our hearts to Him

In directing Hosea to show love to Gomer by redeeming her, God illustrated how He purchased His sinning people for Himself. God desired to be known by His beloved people, and we can know God through a relationship with Jesus Christ.

God's epic love for His people is evidenced by judgement not for their destruction but ultimate restoration. God compared Himself to a faithful Husband of Israel who resembled an adulterous wife who would one day repent, return to her first love, and have a fruitful life marked with joy and peace. Instead of a dead end Jesus Christ is a open Door of Hope for all who repent and trust in Him.

This message is the first in a study through the book of Hosea, a prophet of God to the northern kingdom of Israel. His life was a living parable to Israel of their unfaithfulness to Him, coming judgment, and their restoration by His grace.

Our current trials ought to be viewed in context of God's miraculous power and salvation. Jesus sees our struggles and comes to His own, speaks comfort, and works wonders. We are never alone because He is with and in us.

A crisis can lead us into dark places even to despair. The Lord can and wants to help us like no other. He still speaks.

God allows situations in our lives which defy our expectations, like the split of Israel into northern and southern kingdoms. In trying times will we seek the counsel of men, do what we think is best, or seek the LORD?

Though king Solomon had great wisdom provided by God, in his later years his heart turned from God and embraced idolatry. For his sin the kingdom would be divided, but God allowed Judah to be governed by Solomon's son for His servant David's sake. We have received many blessings from God for the sake of Jesus, the Servant of all.