RE Verse reading–Hosea 1:1-11, 2:16-23, 3:1-5 (day seven) ” ‘In that day’, declares the Lord, ‘you will call me my husband. . .In that day, I will respond’ ” (Hosea 2:16, 21) The Hebrew word for respond means “answer”. It speaks of a day when God will answer the deepest longings of our hearts, the most desperate prayers of our lips. It is not this day. Gomer’s return is a partial recovery at best. The answers we receive are partial as well. Hosea resolves the sad regret of his life and the deep questions of his faith by looking forward to a day of promise. It is the way all the prophets found courage. As Paul says, “the sufferings of this present hour” (even including a painful marriage) are not worthy to be compared to the glory that will be revealed” (Romans 8:18) The Lord teaches us the same lesson. “Those who wait upon the Lord will renew their strength.” May we be faithful. That day is coming.
