Now, at the end of Hosea’s message – as in the parable of his marriage to Gomer (3:1–5) – our faithful God seeks out his unfaithful people speaking words of kindness and salvation. Desolate, they weren’t even sure where to start, so God himself teaches them words to pray (v 2): ‘Our Father, forgive us’ (vs 2,3; Matthew 6:9–13). Their return begins with recognition of their sin and a rejection of false gods. Then, they can offer true worship (‘the fruit of our lips’, v 2). Now, they must choose to trust themselves to God’s fatherly care and compassion (v 3).

With their looking to God and recognition of their hopelessness, God’s response is fulsome and generous (vs 4–8). His anger is done. Forgiveness brings healing, growth and flourishing. Renewed dependence on him will bring certainty of living in his care and the knowledge that real fruitfulness is found in him alone (v 8).

So, here is Hosea’s message, spoken to God’s people in his time – but also, a message for today. Are we wise? Are we discerning? We also need to understand God’s call to uphold his ways, to walk in obedience to him, to recognise that stumbling has its roots in his rejection – and to rejoice that we too are invited to make our home ‘in his shade’ (v 7).

Holy Spirit, may we know your promptings, hear your leadings and be open to all you have for us, that we may know the way and walk in it.

As Hosea brings God’s message to its completion, we are reminded of the need to rely upon God. Throughout, we have heard that sins are punishable, but God is full of grace. Here, the people are given a big hope: as they leave idolatry behind, God will heal them and help them flourish. Many years later, when the people returned from Exile, they had given up their tendency to worship alternative gods. Through such tribulation, they were refined and, by the time Jesus came, many were expectant of the Messiah. 

Jesus tells us that we cannot bear fruit unless we remain in him.¹ It is from him, the vine, that we, as branches, become fruitful. So too, Hosea’s audience hear God say, ‘I am like a flourishing juniper; your fruitfulness comes from me’ (v 8). This image of a fruitful tree reminds us of Psalm 1, where those who are described as well-rooted trees are the blessed ones. God’s choice of simile is no surprise. We can all appreciate the blessing of a fruitful tree, compared with an unfruitful one. Jesus made that clear with a fig tree!² Fruitfulness is a sign of the kingdom of God. Although we may go through barren times, the end aim is fruitfulness.

Hosea’s listeners are given the choice: walk in God’s ways and be fruitful, or do your own thing and stumble. The easy thing is to make the choice to follow God: it is the subsequent journey that puts us to the test and challenges our faith and mettle. Yet, we know that ‘The ways of the Lord are right’ (v 9). However hard it may be, there is no better path for us to walk. After all, Jesus is ‘the way and the truth and the life’.³

Do you know someone who is finding it hard to remain on the ‘way’? Do you, or they, need a friend to help them keep to the path today?

¹ John 15:4,5  ² Matt 21:18,19  ³ John 14:6