April 13

“A spirit of prostitution leads them astray; they are unfaithful to their God.” —HOSEA 4:12

Have you ever wondered why we sometimes sit under the word of God week after week and don’t change? It seems our Christian life is stuck. We’re not motivated and not growing spiritually. Maybe other things have captured our interest, and we’ve become distant from the heart of God. Or could it be that our hearts have not been broken before God?

The prophet Hosea married Gomer, an adulteress, who became a prostitute. Hosea wanted to divorce her because of her infidelities, but God wanted Hosea to know how He felt about His people. They were committing adultery with other gods, burning incense and sacrificing to them. It grieved God. It broke His heart, but He said to Hosea, “Go, show your love to your wife again, though she is loved by another and is an adulteress. Love her as the Lord loves the Israelites, though they turn to other gods…” (Hosea 3:1). Hosea’s life reflected God’s incredible grace. For fifteen shekels of silver he bought his wife back and brought her home to a loving environment.

God is willing to buy back His people. In fact, the Old Testament records seven different cycles where the Israelites had rebelled against God, and having been left to their own devices always resulted in defeat and demoralization. But God would hear their pleas and, in His compassion, would answer their broken hearts and take them back again and again. God revealed to Hosea His pain, likening it to the pain of having an adulterous wife. Hosea greatly empathized and through his tears, preached the love of God.

It is often when our hearts are broken with things that break God’s heart that our relationship with Him deepens. Something inside us resonates with the will of God and becomes a force that motivates us and renews our relationship with Him. Stephen Olford, a well-known preacher, was asked, “What is the secret of ministry?” He replied, “Bent knees, wet eyes and a broken heart.” The needs of our broken world can only be met by people with broken hearts. Until we have felt the pressure of God’s compassion deeply within us, we will not fully participate in the work of God.

Are we struck by that raw emotion of God that motivates us and drives us to do something?

PRAYER: Dear Heavenly Father, I am deeply saddened by all the things in this world that grieve You. I ask that You keep me vigilant to every opportunity You give me to serve You. Make my heart one with yours. Thank You, Lord.

TO REFLECT UPON: When I see things that grieve God, how does my heart respond?