Francine Rivers wrote a fictional novel called Redeeming Love, inspired by the story of Hosea and Gomer in the book of Hosea. I enjoyed the book so much I have read it two or three times in English and once in Spanish.
Rivers creates a masterfully orchestrated demonstration of love that remains faithful beyond betrayal. For those that have read the book, I think we have all desired to have a Michael (Hosea’s parallel character) in our lives. He is more than a Prince Charming riding in on a white horse. He portrays the true redeeming love of our heavenly Father.
After all of Israel’s infidelities, betrayals, their worship of other gods, God’s compassion never fails.
“How can I give you up, Ephraim?
How can I hand you over, Israel?
How can I treat you like Admah?
How can I make you like Zeboyim?
My heart is changed within me;
all my compassion is aroused.
I will not carry out my fierce anger,
nor will I devastate Ephraim again.
For I am God, and not a man—
the Holy One among you.
I will not come against their cities.”
“I will deliver this people from the power of the grave;
I will redeem them from death.”
Hosea 11:8-9, 13:14
Just as he did proved with the Israelites, only God is willing to buy us back each time we betray him, fail him, or choose to worship other gods.
“How I love the great Redeemer who is doing so much for me…” His redeeming love rescues me from the muck and the mire. His mercy and grace extend beyond our human understanding of forgiveness.
What does God’s Redeeming Love mean for you?