Hi all,

Do you think the book of Hosea should be any Christians role model who has been betrayed by an adultrous and even pregnannt(in some cases) spouse, or do you think that was just an issolated case that God used to prophesy how he would react to Jewish rebellion and later Christian rebellion?

Is God calling Christians who have been betrayed in adultry to follow Hosea's example?

Please answer yes or no and then describe why you think that way. Please don't "cop out" by answering it's up to each person. I want to know your personal opinion. What you would or did do when faced with this.

peace
tim

p.s. There are many passages that could be used to bolster each side of the equation.

hubby,

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">Do you think the book of Hosea should be any Christians role model who has been betrayed by an adultrous and even pregnannt(in some cases) spouse</font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">The answer is an emphatic "No". In fact, biblically speaking, this book would be a poor choice for a Jewish person in the same situation. It's not about adultery between a man and woman; it's about the nation of Israel leaving God, and God's punishment.

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">do you think that was just an isolated case that God used to prophesy how he would react to Jewish rebellion and later Christian rebellion?</font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">While not exactly "isolated", I think it is an OT example that speaks to the cost of being unfaithful to God.

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">Is God calling Christians who have been betrayed in adultry to follow Hosea's example?</font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">Absolutely not, for all the reasons above.

As a Christian, you should be focused more on the New Testament teachings of Jesus, and less on the "law" of the Old Testament. Legalistic arguments will not get you into heaven (as opposed to "Grace/Faith), and legalistic arguments will not help you solve your current marital issues. Read the gospel, look for forgiveness (the same kind that God gives you through Jesus's death), and see if you can find compassion to restore your marriage.

Peace to you, too. How are you doing?

I'm surprised to read K's answer.

My Christian counselor asked me to read Hosea and I see it as an example of standing firm, of claiming your spouse as the spouse God has given you, of unconditional and even unreturned or spurned love.

Francine Rivers has written a retelling of Hosea, using the setting of 1850 California, called REDEEMING LOVE. It's one of the best books I've ever read with an unfaithful partner as a character. And, I'm sure my current opinion of the Book Hosea is colored by this gorgeous (though painful) story.

Tim,

“All scripture is God breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 2 Ti. 3:16-71

So, yes, I do believe it is to be used as an example that it can be done when obeying God. Just like Christ is to be our role model for our lives.

However, we all know that we cannot be sinless like Christ, so we strive to be like him. We use everything in the Bible as our example. And trust the Holy Spirit to teach us and help us obey Him.

God told Hosea to take Gomer as his wife, because He had a plan for them. If God has told someone to keep their S, they should do everything they can to keep their M together, God will bless the obedience. God knows what the outcome will be before we do. Not matter what decisions are made by an individual with their freewill, God still has a plan for them.

So it comes down to, “what has God told each person to do and do they believe that God can bless the obedience?” If God has told them to D their spouse and given than peace about it then get the D. If he has told them to forgive their S and to continue to forgive as their S grows closer to God, then that is what they should do. If you don’t know what God is saying to you, then I’d say do everything you can to keep the M together as you get closer to God.

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">What you would or did do when faced with this.</font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">My wife still works with OM. I started waking up at 4am every morning to read God’s word (while W was getting ready for work). I am in Plan A. I believe my W is coming around. I started praying for her before she left for work about 3 months ago. She started praying with me about 1 month ago. She started reading the Bible again (after 2 years). She started again this past week and has been solid about it and has asked me questions. She now invites me up to her working place anytime they have to work alone after normal working hours. Yes I still don’t like the idea of them working together, but God has told me my M will be blessed, I have become a much better man and closer to God. I believe my W is getting closer to God (both more important to God than our M). I also believe, as we get closer to God, our M will become better and better as a bi-product of our closeness with God. (And as much as I hate to say this right now; maybe just maybe, God’s glory will be seen by the fact that we kept our M together, OM will repent and accept Jesus as his Lord and Savior.

I figured you expected to hear from me about this subject and I hope you don’t feel that this was a “cop out”.

Blessing to you. I do think about what is going on with you every week when we pray on Wed.

S&C

As a Christian, you should be focused more on the New Testament teachings of Jesus, and less on the "law" of the Old Testament. QUOTE]

I once heard that relying on only the NT is like a bird trying to fly with one wing...you need both the new and the old because so many of the prophets refer back to the old and there are the prophesies of the OT that came to pass in the NT. The OT is as relevant as the NT and to dismiss the OT forces the sheep to rely only on the NT without proper understanding. I also heard that we all should study the concordance and refer back and forth to gain understanding of the entire Word.

Praise God...

Catnip =^^=

Amen, catnip, amen.

Only recently have I even begun to understand how many references are repeated between the OT and NT...

God is great.

Hey,

Let me apologize for one of my lamer posts... <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="images/icons/smile.gif" />

My concern was for not taking account of NT teachings along with the OT, or with being "too legalistic" in interpretation of OT teachings (which is where the Pharisees ended up---following rules for rules sake, regardless of moral consequences).

That's why they throw those old books in with the NT---it's a very complete and consistent message. I'm sorry that my post indicated otherwise.