v 2. When the Lord first began speaking to Israel through Hosea, he said to him, “Go and marry a prostitute, so that some of her children will be conceived in prostitution. This will illustrate how Israel has acted like a prostitute by turning against the Lord and worshiping other gods.
As part of the message delivery system for God Ezekiel had to endure the loss of his nearest and dearest, as we saw yesterday. Hosea’s experience was totally different. Can you imagine what it felt like for him to be told to marry a prostitute – and with children conceived through her prostitution? The shame of it – the misunderstanding and disgrace he endured! Think of the behind-the-hand sly comments, especially when he told people ‘Well, God told me I should.’ Oh Yes, Ha-Ha Hosea!
So here is another messenger of God who was put through the mill in order to deliver the message that had been given to him. Speaking up for God does seem to be a hazardous occupation doesn’t it! No wonder the writer of Hebrews 11 puts it this way: ‘others were tortured, refusing to turn from God in order to be set free. They placed their hope in a better life after the resurrection. Some were jeered at, and their backs were cut open with whips. Others were chained in prisons. Some died by stoning, some were sawed in half, and others were killed with the sword. … They were too good for this world, wandering over deserts and mountains, ….
Are you prepared for the cost of being God’s messenger to our generation?